This group is free and is open to anyone. It offers a confidential, judgment-free environment with people who know what it’s like. 

Many people say they struggle with too many possessions. However, for some people this can become a dilemma which seriously impacts their quality of life. When we talk about hoarding behaviour, we are referring to people who experience great reluctance when it comes to thinking about discarding the things they own. Sometimes, they also feel a strong compulsion to buy or acquire lots of new possessions.

Research suggests that between 2% and 5% of the UK population hoard at clinically significant levels. That makes hoarding behaviour a lot more common than many people assume. When we talk about clinically significant hoarding, we are referring to situations when the clutter in someone’s home is affecting their ability to use their living space for its intended purpose.

For example, the person might struggle to use their kitchen to prepare a meal, or perhaps they can’t use their bathroom to have a shower or can’t sleep in their bed. This may also be causing the person psychological distress, either because of the clutter itself, or because they feel they are being compelled by others to address the clutter.

Hoarding can present very significant risks to the person, their family, and their neighbours. Risks include those from fires, trip and fall hazards, vermin and insect infestation and the increased risk of disease.  Many people who hoard also have issues with their utilities such as heating, gas or electricity not working properly, usually because staff have not been able to get in to undertake essential maintenance.

Hoarding disorder is now recognised in the UK as a distinct mental health condition, however it is often hard to get a formal diagnosis.

There is huge stigma around hoarding behaviour. People frequently report feelings of shame and embarrassment about being judged by others, and many people hide their hoarding behaviour from others, including from friends and family. This can lead to increased social isolation.

The Royal Borough of Greenwich is keen to help de-stigmatise hoarding behaviour by creating a safe, confidential space where people who hoard can meet other people who struggle with clutter and who want to reclaim space in their homes.

Cllr Denise Scott-McDonald, Cabinet Member for Health and Adults’ Social Care said:

“Living with excess clutter can greatly impact upon your ability to enjoy your life and remain safe in your own home. Many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of reclaiming space in their homes or simply don’t know where to start.

We’re taking action on the things that matter to our residents and want to help people in Royal Greenwich to better understand why they struggle with clutter. That’s why we have launched a new support group, based around researched and proven methods designed to help reduce hoarding behaviours.”

This new support group is being supported by the Royal Borough of Greenwich, the London Fire Brigade, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, and the Woolwich Service Users’ Project (WSUP). It currently runs fortnightly.

The support group is free, and we eventually plan to run it at a number of different times and venues. You don’t need to be referred by a professional, you can just turn up and you’ll be more than welcome. It will be confidential and a judgement-free atmosphere.

For more details about the hoarding support group please call 020 8921 2446 or email hoarding-support@royalgreenwich.gov.uk.

You can also contact us if you have any questions or would like to discuss your situation or whether the group might be appropriate for you.