A specialist therapeutic project in North Staffordshire, Recovering Homes, is providing support to individuals dealing with hoarding disorder. The project, run by Reaching CIC, has directly helped approximately 150 people in the area.
The service includes a hoarding clinic, fortnightly peer support meetings, and assistance in the home from a psychotherapist. CEO Georgina Salt described hoarding as a "hidden" but growing issue, noting that the service receives multiple referrals each week, often from people reaching crisis point.
One individual, 77-year-old Pat, sought support after decades of hoarding, describing her decision to get help following her husband's death. She explained that the psychotherapist helped her to question the reasons behind her hoarding behaviour.
The programme focuses on the individual rather than their possessions, as hoarding is often linked to loneliness and mental health issues. Salt stated that a common sentiment in peer support meetings is that people no longer feel alone, realising others share similar thought processes.