Community

The British obsession with possessions

Published

9 years ago

April 28, 2016

A NEW survey has revealed that British people just love to hoard possessions, struggling to let go of items even when they know that they don’t need them and will never use them again.

The survey was conducted by insurance specialist RIAS to mark the start of National Spring Clean Week which kicks off today (Apr 14).

Results from the survey identified that 79% of people have at least one space in their home full of items that they’re fully aware they will never need again.

For 31% of people, that space is a drawer, 28% it is a cupboard and for a shocking 19%, that space is an entire room.

An astounding one in 10 people admitted that they had never had a clear-out of items they do not use or want any longer, but the majority of people, 64%, admitted to having a clearing once a year at most.

Yet, 79% of everyone questioned acknowledged that they were fully aware that they were holding onto items they no longer need, want or use purely for sentimental reasons.

The research also found that when moving home, which is a key opportunity to remove clutter and reappraise current belongings, many people decided to just take their ‘junk’ with them.

In fact, a whopping 55% of people who moved home in the last five years stated that they didn’t clear out any of their possessions when they moved. Once settled into their new home, 79% of people said they realised they had kept items that they shouldn’t have.

Psychologist Dr Elizabeth Forrester said: “People seem to struggle to let go of material things, often citing emotional attachment or sentimental reasons for holding onto unnecessary items.

“It seems to be a subconscious decision to simply hold onto things even though it’s known there’s no need to use for them anymore. Items are kept out of sight and never used, but hold comfort simply in the knowledge that they are there.

“For many people this ‘comfort’ extends from a kitchen drawer to occupying an entire room.”

To put these survey results to the test, RIAS put blogger Louise Parker in touch with Dr Forrester to help her take a less emotional view of possessions she no longer needed or wanted.

Having recently moved home, Louise was not one of the 55% of people who held onto everything through the move, instead opting to clear out a large portion of her unwanted items. However, she realised that she was still clinging onto a lot of her clothing, toiletries and other beauty items unnecessarily.

Louise said: “I was a little nervous about de-cluttering with Liz if I’m honest! I like to think I’m quite a streamlined person, so I really thought that there wouldn’t be anything that I would deem as clutter. However, my wardrobe and drawers that were bursting at the seams were telling a different story, so something really needed to be done!

“Liz’s approach was very simple. After putting all my clothes from my wardrobes and drawers, and secret suitcases filled with further clothes, on the bed, it was as easy as picking up each item one by one and really assessing whether I wanted it or needed it.

“Asking myself whether I actually wore it or if it was too similar to lots of my other clothes was a particularly handy approach. I found that I hadn’t really thought about many of the items of clothes for quite a while, just because I rarely saw them in my packed wardrobe!

“My drawers full of bottles, make-up and skincare were an area that really needed addressing. It was amazing the great feeling I got when I found something in amongst the clutter that I forgot I had.

“It was also really great to rid myself of the little sample sachets and bottles from magazines and make-up counters. Physically seeing the piles of stuff that I was happy to get rid of was quite a shock and that image will really stay with me when I next go into Boots!

“Another thing Liz taught me was to contemplate the amount of things I bring into the house every day, and whether I clear the same amount out. Now when I do choose to buy something new, I’ll be thinking about what I could get rid of to balance it out.”

Dr Forrester said: “Louise made some interesting comments about some of the items she’d struggled to discard. This applied to quite a few cosmetic items which had lain unused and unloved in the drawer

“Attempts to avoid unpleasant, negative feelings is a key reason for not tackling clutter. When Louise came face-to-face with these items, it reminded her of money she had spent on them, so getting rid of them felt wasteful, and led to further feelings of guilt.

“A self-confessed lover of shopping, I asked her about the feeling she experienced when she bought the items. When we shop, we see items that we desire and it often seems as if we will never get over that intense feeling of longing we experience.

In fact, that feeling has too often fizzled out before we’ve even set foot through the door and the item loses its magic. In a similar way, we may fear that the negative thoughts and emotions we get when contemplating getting rid of some unworn or unused purchases won’t go away either.

“By clearing out a significant amount of clutter, such as half-used tubes and bottles, and taking a novel approach to discarding her unwanted purchases, such as passing them onto friends and colleagues or a donation to a favourite charity, Louise had a very different experience.

“She found that, rather than being left with uncomfortable feelings, she got the same familiar buzz she would get when acquiring something new. What’s more, delighting friends with a nearly-new bargain, and being able to give some cash to a good cause, will give her some additional ‘feel good’ experiences.

“So, by having a good clear-out, it is possible to fall in love all over again with some things that have been languishing in the back of cupboards.”

Community

RWE launches hydrogen education programme to inspire future climate champions

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

RWE has launched its Hydrogen Education Programme, an initiative aimed at educating schoolchildren about hydrogen’s crucial role in achieving net zero and decarbonising industries.

Developed in partnership with Generation C, the programme offers interactive, curriculum-based activities that connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Students of all ages will explore hydrogen’s properties, its production, and its growing role in industries driving the clean energy transition.

Henry Tudor High School in Pembroke has already piloted the programme with secondary school students, while Golden Grove Primary School is set to begin this week. The initiative will demonstrate how hydrogen, as a clean energy source, is integral to reducing emissions in transport, manufacturing, and energy sectors.

Engaging young minds

The programme features real-world case studies highlighting RWE’s hydrogen projects and includes group challenges designed to encourage critical thinking about global climate issues.

Golden Grove Primary School headteacher, Mr A Williams, welcomed the initiative, stating: “As head of a large primary school in Pembrokeshire, which is at the forefront of green energy growth, it is imperative that we build meaningful relationships with companies like RWE. The initial lesson captivated our learners, who now fully understand the importance of green energy and the new hydrogen plant. The flexibility of the New Welsh Curriculum allows us to tailor learning to our community’s needs—building an electrolyser to produce hydrogen is just the beginning of a journey that could lead to future opportunities in collaboration with businesses.”

Williams also highlighted the programme’s potential to shape future career paths, saying: “This project could provide highly skilled jobs in our county, and we need our learners to be at the forefront of that development.”

Building a sustainable future

Louise McDonnell, RWE’s hydrogen development manager, attended the event and emphasised the programme’s impact: “Our Hydrogen Education Programme equips young people with the knowledge and inspiration to make a difference. Hydrogen is a game-changer in the fight against climate change, and through this initiative, we’re helping students see the opportunities in clean energy. Education is key to building the skills and passion needed to achieve net zero and safeguard our planet.”

RWE’s Hydrogen Education Programme is more than just an awareness initiative—it aims to inspire careers in clean energy. By sparking curiosity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), the programme encourages students to explore future roles in the expanding hydrogen economy and renewable energy sector.

Hydrogen’s role in decarbonisation

RWE recently secured planning permission for the RWE Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project, a 100MWe electrolysis plant capable of producing approximately two metric tonnes of green hydrogen per hour. By replacing fossil fuels, the plant is expected to cut local CO2 emissions by about 93,000 tonnes annually, the equivalent of removing 18,600 cars from the road.

As the UK’s largest power producer and a leading renewable generator, RWE continues to develop hydrogen opportunities nationwide to support industrial decarbonisation and drive the transition to a cleaner energy future.

Community

New Men’s Shed opens at Milford Haven Station

Published

2 days ago

January 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT for Wales (TfW) has announced the opening of a new Men’s Shed at Milford Haven Station, transforming one of its stations into a valuable community hub.

Men’s Sheds are community spaces where people come together to make, repair, and repurpose items while supporting local projects. These grassroots initiatives play a crucial role in tackling social isolation and fostering a sense of community.

Research shows that Sheds offer significant health benefits, with 96% of members—known as Shedders—reporting a reduction in loneliness after joining. While traditionally associated with older men, Men’s Sheds are inclusive, welcoming people of all genders and backgrounds. Many involve women, and some operate exclusively for women.

The new Milford Haven Men’s Shed will provide a space for the community to connect, share skills, and form friendships. Shedders will have the freedom to decide how best to use the space to meet their needs.

Emma Collins, Station Manager for Milford Haven, said: “I am pleased that we are able to accommodate the Men’s Shed within the station and support this invaluable community group and the work they do.”

The Milford Haven Men’s Shed committee expressed gratitude to TfW for enabling the project, calling it a safe and welcoming space for older members of the community to build friendships and support well-being.

A spokesperson for the Shed said: “We hope to give back to the community some of the help we have received from TfW. We would also like to thank the National Lottery for the funding that made this project possible.”

They added: “Whether it’s crafting, working on projects, or simply dropping in for a cuppa and a chat, the Men’s Shed is here for the people of the town. We look forward to welcoming everyone.”

Community

Drop in sessions to help reshape Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service

Published

7 days ago

January 24, 2025

Tom Sinclair

MID and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) is pleased to announce the launch of a series of community drop-in sessions designed to gather feedback from residents and stakeholders. This initiative aims to identify issues and challenges that may impact the delivery of the Community Risk Management Plan 2040 (CRMP 2040).

The CRMP 2040 outlines the Service’s commitment to addressing risks, threats, and challenges faced by communities. These drop-in sessions provide an opportunity for residents to help shape the future of fire and rescue services in Mid and West Wales, ensuring safety and well-being remain a priority.

Shaping the future together

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Iwan Cray said: “We believe the best way to serve our communities is by involving them in the planning process. These drop-in sessions are an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and collaborate with the people we serve.”

The drop-in sessions, details of which are available on the MAWWFRS website, offer a platform for open dialogue. Residents can share their insights, concerns, and suggestions, contributing to the development of a modern Fire and Rescue Service tailored to their needs.

A data-driven approach

The CRMP 2040 adopts a data-driven approach, focusing on prevention, protection, and response to reduce emergencies’ impact and enhance public safety. By tailoring services to community needs, MAWWFRS is committed to building safer and more resilient communities.

Get involved

Community members are encouraged to attend these sessions and provide their feedback. To thank participants, MAWWFRS is offering a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher. To enter, simply attend a session and complete the survey.

For more information about the plan or the upcoming drop-in sessions, visit the MAWWFRS website or contact the team at [email protected].

About MAWWFRS

Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service is dedicated to protecting and serving the communities of Mid and West Wales. Through prevention, protection, and response, the Service works tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors.