Experts are calling for increased support for individuals affected by hoarding disorder, a mental health condition recognized by the World Health Organization several years ago. The UK Hoarding Partnership, which was set up last year, focuses on the importance of a multi-agency and coordinated approach to comprehensively go about solving this problem faced by around four million people in the UK.
Their suggested multi-agency approach would see joined up working between mental health care, social care, environmental health, professional organisers and housing authorities. Despite this, there is as yet no joined up, UK-wide policy to deal with hoarding. This gap has prompted mental health professionals, including Paulette Hamilton, MP, and Heather Matuozzo, founder of the Birmingham-based charity Clouds End CIC, to advocate for more robust action and support for those living with this disorder.
Matuozzo’s organization recently reported that hoarding has reached a “mental health emergency” status, leading to a surge in individuals seeking assistance. This dramatic surge in demand for assistance foreshadows an immediate and crucial need for congressional action and investment.
“There has never been a more opportune moment to send this open letter,” – Heather Matuozzo.
Mental health professionals from all over the UK have signed an open letter. They are working to encourage the federal government to provide more funding and resources for those fighting hoarding disorder. Andrew W. Ellis via Flickr Hoarders suffer from multiple hardships. They continue to face barriers in getting the care and services they require.
“People who hoard often struggle to find adequate support and services, meaning they are frequently overlooked by social care systems, health services, housing authorities and mental health professionals,” – part of the open letter.
Prof Nick Neave, chair of the UK Hoarding Partnership, highlights the complicated nature of hoarding as a mental health condition.
“Hoarding is often misunderstood, or dismissed as mere clutter, laziness or a lifestyle choice, but it is a complex mental health condition that goes far beyond an inability to organise or let go of possessions,” – Prof Nick Neave.
Hamilton echoes Matuozzo’s concerns that the government has overreacted to hoarding by separating those most at-risk from society without a comprehensive strategy.
“It needs to be a little more joined up, government, the NHS, so it’s not just the voluntary sector and others that are trying to cure it,” – an expert source.
The gap in analytical research on hoarding, though understandable in a field deeply starved for research, only exacerbates hoarding’s notorious challenges. The UK Hoarding Partnership aims to provide influential recommendations and advice. These efforts can do wonders to improve local communities’ responses to hoarding.
“We could have some very strong recommendations which we can take to the Department of Health to get into communities,” – an expert source.
As awareness of hoarding continues to grow, experts are hopeful that increased dialogue will lead to meaningful change in how society supports those affected.
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