Support with hoarding
Hoarding is when you have so many items you can’t manage the clutter you create. People with hoarding tendencies find it extremely difficult to let go or dispose of things, and the thought of removing the items can often cause anxiety and trigger trauma.
You may:
- keep too many items that you don’t need or have space for that have limited value
- have difficulty throwing away or parting with possessions
- build up possessions so much that you can’t use the space in a normal way or have clear routes of escape in an emergency from your home
- have very strong positive feelings whenever you get more thing
- feel very upset or anxious at the thought of throwing or giving things away because of your emotional attachment to them
- have so many things that you can't use parts of the home you live in – like not being able to sleep in your bed or use your cooker
- become isolated because you are too embarrassed to have visitors.
We’re here to help if you’re struggling with hoarding. Please contact us if you need help to either maintain your home or if you feel that you’re hoarding items. Our Tenancy Sustainment team and Neighbourhoods team will work together to help you. The same applies if you’re worried about one of our customers.
In the short term, we’ll work with you to make your home safe. We’ll also refer you to partner agencies, who can provide support – this includes the local fire service and support workers.
If you need support with clearing items in your home, we may be able to support you to cover the costs of their removal (this is on a means tested basis).
You may also wish to seek help from your friends and family and your local GP and support agencies.