💬 Let’s talk about excuses. After 8 years running Grotbags Cleaning Services Ltd, I could fill a book with the things I’ve heard from new recruits. And believe me, some of them would make you laugh if they weren’t so ridiculous. Here are just a few of the “classics” we’ve collected over the years: - 🚩 “Got a puncture” (but no photo, no garage receipt). - 🚩 “My nan’s sick” (then tagged in the pub on Facebook). - 🚩 “My nan died” (again — funny how she’s managed it three times in six months). - 🚩 “Alarm didn’t go off” (every other day). - 🚩 “Child’s sick” (while posting happy school run photos). - 🚩 “Got norovirus” (yet was out last night looking perfectly fine). - 🚩 “Doctor’s calling me today” (apparently for 12 hours straight). - 🚩 “I hurt my back lifting shopping.” - 🚩 “Bus didn’t turn up” (yet Google says otherwise). - 🚩 “Didn’t get the rota.” - 🚩 “My phone broke.” - 🚩 “Family emergency” (never explained, always repeated). - 🚩 “Car wouldn’t start.” - 🚩 “I’m ill” (but tagged at the nail salon). - 🚩 “Locked out.” Now here’s the truth: When someone gives me one of these excuses before they’ve even finished their trial week, they’ve actually done me a favour. Because if you can’t show up on Day 1, you’re never going to show up for our clients. And our clients are the reason we exist. But it doesn’t stop there. We also get the “I need a minimum of 16 hours” line before they’ve even proven they can do one proper shift. Let’s be clear — we all have the work. The demand is endless. But no serious cleaning company is about to hand out hours to someone who hasn’t shown reliability, consistency, and care. Here’s how we do it at Grotbags: ✅ We check references. ✅ We require an up-to-date DBS. ✅ We take a copy of your driving licence and car registration. ✅ We train and shadow you for 3–4 weeks before giving you client hours. Not because we don’t have the work (trust me, we’re overflowing). But because we will not let our clients down with sloppy standards or red flags.

🌟 Why Basildon Needs Us – Part 3: Housing Disrepair & Awaab’s Law 🌟 In 2020, two-year-old Awaab Ishak tragically died after prolonged exposure to mould in his family’s social housing property. His death shocked the nation — and it changed the law. Awaab’s Law is now being introduced to force housing providers to act quickly on damp and mould complaints. It’s an important step forward. But here in Basildon, the reality is that hundreds of families are already living in unsafe homes, and they can’t wait for paperwork, inspections, or long repair queues. They need help now. And that’s why Basildon needs us. 🏚️ The Reality in Basildon Every week, Grotbags Cleaning Services Ltd is contacted by people struggling with housing conditions that are damaging their health and wellbeing: - Mould and damp spreading across walls and ceilings - Leaks and broken plumbing leaving bathrooms unusable - Unsafe electrics, falling plaster and damaged ceilings making homes hazardous - Endless repair delays leaving tenants to cope in unsafe environments For children, this often means worsening asthma and repeated trips to the GP. For adults, it can trigger depression, anxiety, and other health conditions. For vulnerable residents, it can mean living in fear of their own home. ⚖️ What Awaab’s Law Means Under Awaab’s Law, social housing providers will soon be legally required to: - Investigate damp and mould complaints within 14 days - Begin emergency repairs within 7 days if there’s a serious health risk - Be held accountable for failing to act This is progress — but legislation alone won’t clear black mould off the walls or stop leaks flooding a bathroom floor. That’s where services like ours step in. 💗 Where Grotbags Steps In – Real Stories from Basildon We’re not just dealing with buildings — we’re supporting people. Case Example 1 – A Young Family in Basildon A mum contacted us after her bathroom sink started leaking. Water was running under the tiles, causing mould that spread across the walls. Appointments with the landlord kept being cancelled, and the situation got worse.

🌟 One more week of holiday left… but our sights are already set on what’s next for Grotbags Cleaning Services Ltd – The Cleaners That Care. This year has been one of huge growth and learning for us as a team: ✨ Supporting vulnerable residents through hospital discharge and hoarding support. ✨ Expanding our hoarding supports, domestic, and deep cleaning services. ✨ Building partnerships with local councils, social care teams, and housing providers. ✨ Growing our team and investing in specialist training. When we return, our focus is on upscaling and improving even further: 🔹 Bigger contracts with landlords, housing associations, and property managers. 🔹 More trauma-informed, specialist cleaning services for those who need extra support. 🔹 Stronger staff structure and training so our cleaners feel supported and proud. 🔹 Continuing to drive community impact through projects like the Basildon Hoarding Support Network. At Grotbags, cleaning is never “just cleaning” — it’s about creating safe homes, restoring dignity, and caring for every client we work with. We’re excited for the months ahead, and if you’re looking for a professional, trusted cleaning partner in Essex, let’s talk. 🚀 📞 07387 976849 🌐 grotbagscleaningservicesltd.com #CleaningServices #CommunityImpact #BusinessGrowth #EssexBusiness #TheCleanersThatCare

👋 Welcome to the Basildon Hoarding Support Network (BHSN) This is a space for anyone passionate about changing how we support people who hoard — whether you’re based in Basildon or beyond. We welcome: 🏢 Housing officers, social workers, fire safety teams 🧠 Mental health and community support professionals 🧼 Cleaning companies wanting to learn more about trauma-informed hoarding support 💬 Peer supporters and people with lived experience This group is about collaboration, not competition. We’re here to: ✅ Share knowledge ✅ Build joined-up systems of early support ✅ Reduce stigma and crisis-led interventions Let’s kick off with a quick intro: 🧍 Who are you? 👩‍💼 What’s your role or interest in hoarding? 📍 Where are you based? Drop a hello, post a pic of your workspace (coffee cups welcome ☕), and let us know what you hope to gain from being here. Let’s build something powerful — together 💪