It’s hoarding awareness week 14th - 18th May
Hoarding is when someone keeps a large amount of items stored in their home.
It is different to just collecting items. Hoarding creates a clutter that can be hard to manage.
Often hoarded items are of little value - newspapers, magazines, paper and plastic bags, and sometimes people hoard animals or food which can lead to welfare or hygiene concerns.
This behaviour can have harmful effects for a hoarder, their family, friends and those who may care for them in a professional capacity.
Hoarding is recognised as a mental health disorder and someone who hoards can show behaviour associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety and Depression:
· Anxiety when trying to throw things away
· Feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed about their possessions
· Suspicion of other people touching items
· Losing space in their home or becoming isolated from family and friends
· Financial difficulties and health hazards
People who hoard often don’t understand why they do it. It can be difficult to help a person overcome this behaviour. Our Support Team work with residents impacted by hoarding to help manage their situation.
Help is available
If you think that you or someone you care about may be a hoarder please contact us on 0300 330 7003 and ask to speak to your housing officer about it.
Help is also available through Social Care services and your local GP.
There is also lots of support and advice from Hoarding UK the national charity for people impacted by hoarding behaviour.