As reported by the BBC, hoarding has become a “mental health emergency” in the UK according to a social enterprise supporting hundreds of people struggling with the condition
The Birmingham-based organisation is currently helping more than 300 individuals affected by hoarding, providing hands-on decluttering support and encouraging participation in mental health support groups. The project is funded by Birmingham City Council and operates in close collaboration with social services.
Heather Matuozzo, founder of Clouds End CIC, warned that the true scale of hoarding disorder has likely grown significantly since the Covid-19 pandemic, far beyond the estimated 2–5% of the UK population thought to be affected. The World Health Organisation formally recognised hoarding disorder as a mental health condition in 2018.
Hoarding disorder is defined by the excessive accumulation of possessions, leading to dangerously cluttered living environments that interfere with daily functioning or pose safety risks. Research indicates that around 40% of people who hoard are over the age of 60, highlighting the vulnerability of older adults to the condition.
Efforts to tackle the disorder are expanding. The British Psychological Society released new guidelines last year to guide NHS and social care responses. Meanwhile, academic research into the psychological roots of hoarding is growing.
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