Adult social care
If a person's health, safety or ability to live independently is at risk, the local council's adult social care team can carry out a needs assessment. They may coordinate support, and many areas have a multi-agency hoarding panel or framework.
NHS and mental health support
Because hoarding is a recognised mental health condition, your GP can refer you for talking therapies such as CBT, which has good evidence for helping people who hoard. NHS Talking Therapies can also be accessed directly in England.
Fire and rescue services
Local fire services offer free Safe and Well visits, fitting smoke alarms and advising on reducing fire risk in cluttered homes.
Where professional clearance fits
Public services provide assessment and emotional support; they rarely carry out the physical clearance and cleaning. That is where we come in — working sensitively alongside social workers, support workers and families, at the person's pace.
Useful organisations
- Hoarding UK — information and peer support
- Mind — mental health support and advice
- Age UK — support for older people
- Your local council's adult social care team