Event raises awareness of hoarding and its effects
An event which raises awareness of hoarding and its effects is being held this week at Shropshire Council’s Pride Hill Shopping Centre, Shrewsbury on Friday 7 December 2018.
The hoarding awareness event from 11am-2pm is organised by the council and will be attended by Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, NatWest and other key organisations, who will be on hand to provide information and advice on a condition with can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
Hoarding example: taken at an individual’s home who received support from Shropshire Council’s regulatory services.
It is estimated that more than a million people in the UK may have hoarding issues and although this is an issue in itself, it can also be indicative of other mental health issues. It can also create significant risks to the individual, the community and firefighters.
Hoarding is different to saving, collecting or cluttering. A person who hoards collects an excessive amount if items and does not manage or discard them. Often items are of limited monetary value. The hoarding becomes a problem when it is affecting the person’s everyday health, wellbeing and puts them or others in danger. For example, the person is unable to use their kitchen, bedrooms or bathroom and cannot access rooms or escape if there is a fire.
Hoarding example
Councillor Joyce Barrow, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, waste and regulatory services, said:-
“Anyone can develop a problem with hoarding. People who hoard excessively often don’t see their hoarding as a problem, or are not always aware of how it is affecting their own or others’ lives. They may not want help to change or might not know how to.
“Our event offers families and friends who are affected by hoarding an opportunity to come and talk to professionals who can offer advice, information and practical help to try and improve their home and living conditions.”
The reasons why people hoard are complicated. Often it can be because someone has previously experienced loss or trauma in their lives and they might believe that hoarding gives them comfort. People who hoard can also have other physical or emotional health problems that they might be struggling with.
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, health and social housing, added:-
“Hoarding is a very misunderstood condition, which can be approached wrongly, without awareness of how it manifests itself and how to talk to people who have these issues.
“It’s really important for us that we support people to live safe, healthy and independent lives at home. This is an ideal opportunity for people to speak to various organisations about any concerns they may have.”
To find out more about hoarding visit our website at https://shropshire.gov.uk/environmental-health/community-and-local-environment/advice-and-guidance/hoarding/
To also view a video:-
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=St-Uud0yvQg&feature=youtu.be
