Hoarding, a mental health issue only officially recognized in 2013, is affecting a significant portion of the population. An estimated 2.5% to 6% of people are impacted by hoarding behaviors, with around 1% of children also exhibiting these tendencies. In 2022, the London Fire Brigade responded to 1,036 hoarding-related fires, resulting in 186 injuries and 10 deaths. Meanwhile, in Wales, hoarding accounts for nearly a third of fire-related deaths. As the population ages, experts anticipate that hoarding cases will increase, potentially developing into a widespread crisis.
To combat this growing issue, Gloucester City Council launched an innovative hoarding care and support initiative in April 2023. This program comprises six support groups and provides personalized psychological assistance, decluttering services, and home safety improvements. The council partnered with Hoarding UK to develop a comprehensive program and train officers across multiple agencies. Despite Birmingham Council's bankruptcy in 2023, it continues to collaborate with Heather Matuozzo to support hoarders effectively.
Carol, a hoarder who has been trying to clear her home for two years, exemplifies the struggles many face. Despite her efforts, she still finds herself without a place to sit or stand comfortably. Her landlords were on the verge of eviction but were convinced to use their legal costs to secure one-on-one support from Hoarding UK instead. Carol’s story underscores the challenges hoarders face and the critical need for targeted intervention.
“All this stuff is the physical manifestation of the actual traumas I’ve suffered and not dealt with.” – Carol
Hoarding remains under-researched and receives insufficient recognition and funding. Dr. Lynne Drummond warns that if the current rate of increase in hoarding cases continues, society will confront what she terms a "hoarding pandemic."
“If it rises at this rate and continues to rise, we’re going to be facing a hoarding pandemic.” – Dr Lynne Drummond
The Consequences of Clutter report highlights that an ageing society will likely see a rise in the number of hoarders. This report calls for more attention and resources to address what could become a substantial public health concern.
Jane, another individual affected by hoarding, voices her distress over her living conditions. Her home is filled with belongings she cannot part with, illustrating the emotional and psychological burden of hoarding.
“It upsets me so much but it has to be there,” – Jane
“I put it down because someone rang the doorbell. I meant to pick it up but …” – Jane
“I look at my house and I feel despair,” – Jane
“I am emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted with this house. But I can’t walk away because there’s stuff here that I need.” – Jane
In response to these challenges, Gloucester's initiative represents a pioneering approach. James Dykes, involved in the program’s development, emphasizes the necessity of innovative solutions tailored to hoarders' needs.
“We had to come up with an entirely new way to help this group properly.” – James Dykes
The program’s multi-faceted approach addresses both the psychological aspects of hoarding and practical challenges such as decluttering and fire safety. By offering comprehensive support, the initiative aims to improve living conditions for individuals like Carol and Jane while reducing the risk of fire-related incidents.
Hoarding UK's collaboration with local councils reflects a growing recognition of the complex nature of hoarding. These partnerships aim to provide effective support networks that can adapt to individual needs, offering a model for other regions grappling with similar issues.