A mum-of-two is reaching out to people in her local community who are struggling with their mental health. Bethany Langton is offering to clean their homes for free if they are finding it hard to keep up with household chores.
The 28-year-old says she has suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts throughout periods of her life. At some of her lowest points she found it hard to keep on top of housework and says living in a mess can be 'debilitating'.
When she was struggling Bethany sought help from her friend Rebecca who owns a cleaning company. She was able to manage her mental health and now wants to help others in similar situations.
Bethany got the idea to start a free cleaning service one day after she had finished cleaning her own home. She decided to make a Facebook post offering help to others and was surprised at how well it was received.
More than 150 people loved the idea, with some also offering up their free time to help too. Speaking to Yorkshire Live, Bethany, who is a carer for her eldest son, said: "Since I was a child I suffered depression, but it wasn't until I was 19, and my son was 1, that I was diagnosed and put on medication. Through the years my depression was up and down.
"At the worst points my house was in a terrible state. I was a young mother, I had my son just after my 18th birthday. At two points in my life I became suicidal, I never made plans to do this but certainly thought about it.
"I felt like a failure to my kids. I have been hurt, abandoned, mistreated and abused which worsened my depression.
"Living in mess is debilitating, not being able to clean or have the energy to get up is debilitating. I have my best friend, Holly Robinson who owns a cleaning business 'Make Your House Sparkle With Holly' and she helped me on a few occasions to get the worst of the mess cleaned up.
"I paid her because I could afford to, but many people cannot afford to do this. The cost of living crisis has fortunately not hit me that hard, but for others it has.
"I know the feeling of keeping the curtains closed so no one can see inside, of not wanting to let anyone inside through fear of judgement, and even the fear of being slammed as a unfit parent and social being called.
"It took me years to climb out of depression, although my house can become messy again it is nothing compared to what it was. Being alone with three kids is hard, adding two special needs kids is even harder.
"So many people struggle and hide away. But they don't need to. I want to help those struggling with mess to come forward, to accept my help. I don't judge anyone on their home, I know how bad it can get. I constantly had people telling me 'it's disgusting' or 'clean your house'. But did they offer help? No. Did they think about why it's this way? No. They just commented and walked out.
"This made me spiral further into depression. I can see through the mess, right to the source of it. I'm not qualified to help with those issues, but I can make life a little easier. When my house is clean my mood is better. There are so many reasons why people can't face cleaning, mental health, injury, old age."
Bethany posted about her initiative on a local Facebook page and already has two people booked in. She has bought cleaning supplies, and will not 'accept a penny' for anyone she is helping.
She added: "For those who can afford I refer onto my best friend who has fair prices. I have had interest from others offering their assistance, so once more people come forward I can recruit more volunteers and get more people in a better place.
"People underestimate how a clean house can better mental health. I want to give the help that I needed. If I can make someone else's life a little easier I've done what I set out to do.
"People need help, they don't need to be embarrassed or ashamed. They do not need to fear reaching out to me. I've been there. I know it's not their fault. And they can break free of the mess.
"Their lives can get better, I will help them do this. I plan to begin my services properly at the beginning of June, this gives me time to get all the necessary cleaning products ready. They do not have to provide anything. I hope people come forward and accept my help, there's no need to be afraid of asking. It's the strongest thing you can do, and they are strong."
Bethany has always wanted to help others but wasn't too sure what she could do. She is currently training to be a midwife or a neonatal nurse.
She added: "I have dreams of being a midwife or neonatal nurse, but without a support system, uni would be impossible right now. When my kids are older I intend to live my dream."
Bethany adds she has a current and clean DBS check and no criminal convictions, she urges anyone in need of help to reach out to her, no questions asked.
