Support hub for Yorkshire hoarders launched in Sheffield

Not-for-profit advice service Hoarding Disorders UK says sufferers can experience significant distress, impacting on many areas of their lives ranging from feeling isolated and ashamed to being unable to function effectively.

It has now launched a Sheffield-based regional hub to help replace clutter with calm in the lives of hoarders.

Hoarding is characterised by the excessive accumulation of possessions and inability to discard unused items, resulting in living spaces become unusable. It was identified as a mental health disorder in 2013.

Hoarding Disorders UK director Jo Cavalot, who will lead the hub, said: “Hoarding is something which can impact upon many areas of our lives. It impinges on basic freedoms, such as a space to eat, sleep or wash. It can also pose significant health risks including illness, infestation, increased fire risk and other dangers. Our aim is to ensure more people are able to access the support they need, enabling them to regain control of their lives.”

The organisation has seen a “notable increase” in the number of enquiries from people affected by hoarding issues across South Yorkshire.

Ms Cavalot also acts as a facilitator to the hoarding support group Squirrel Support Squad, which hosts regular meetings at the headquarters of South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service in Sheffield.

Station manager in community safety, Matt Gillatt, said: “Hoarding is a not only a very real issue that can have a significant impact on a person’s life, it is also a common factor in serious house fires.

“We welcome news of a dedicated support service being set up in Sheffield and would strongly urge anyone who struggles with hoarding themselves, or knows somebody else that does, to reach out for help – either through this new service or by applying for a fire service home safety check on our website.”