‘People think you’ve got 10,000 cats’: the support group for hoarders
Summary
A support group in Wirral, Merseyside, helps people who struggle with hoarding, a mental health condition where people collect and keep large amounts of items. Many hoarders avoid asking for help because they fear eviction or stigma. Fire services report rising dangers related to hoarding, while housing groups work to offer more understanding and support instead of eviction.Key Facts
- Tony and Sarah are two people living with hoarding issues who face problems like landlord evictions or lack of repairs.
- People with hoarding disorder often live without basic necessities like heating or hot water due to fear of eviction.
- UK fire services recorded a 78% increase in fires linked to hoarding since 2020.
- London had over 2,000 homes flagged as high-risk due to hoarding last year, up from 1,200 four years ago.
- Hoarding was classified as a mental health condition by the World Health Organization in 2018.
- Many hoarders feel ashamed and avoid seeking help because of stigma and fear of being turned away.
- Prima Group started a national pledge for housing providers to avoid forced clearances and to support residents with hoarding issues.
- Experts stress the need for empathy and long-term help, rather than quick evictions or clearance of hoarded items.
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