Hoarding Awareness

Hoarding Disorder is when a person collects lots of possessions and is then unable to let go of them. Items accumulate within their home until activities of daily living become difficult. Letting people in to visit or to make home repairs may stop, as the person feels ashamed. Some people have limited insight into how their collecting and keeping behaviours affect their environment and those around them. This may cause arguments or upset with their family, isolating the individual from their loved ones and from their community.
At least 5% of the UK population, approximately 10,000 people living in Portsmouth, will be experiencing some sort of hoarding disorder. Hoarding can be triggered by loss or trauma. Hoarding can be a symptom of a mental health condition, learning disability, ADHD or Autism. We are all susceptible, particularly as we live in a consumerist society, yet stigma prevents people reaching out for help. At Red Squirrel OT CIC we work with and for the individual, using an empathic, compassionate and holistic approach. Come to the Lower Ground Floor, Portsmouth Central Library to find out more about what we do and the services we provide.