Birmingham group calls hoarding a mental health emergency

Hoarding has escalated into a pressing mental health issue in the UK, according to Clouds End CIC, a Birmingham-based social enterprise. They have been actively supporting over 300 individuals struggling with hoarding disorder, a condition recognized by the World Health Organization as a mental health disorder since 2018. Estimates indicate that 2-5% of the UK population may be affected by this disorder, and experts believe the figure has likely increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heather Matuozzo, founder of Clouds End CIC, emphasizes the growing urgency of the situation, noting an increase in referrals and describing it as a ‘behind-closed-doors mental health emergency.’ Matuozzo highlighted the emotional toll on individuals dealing with hoarding, sharing that many feel trapped in their circumstances, often due to traumatic experiences.

Hoarding disorder is defined by an overwhelming accumulation of items that disrupts living conditions and poses safety risks. Approximately 40% of those affected are over the age of 60. Clouds End’s ‘Chaos 2 Order’ project, one of Europe’s first dedicated initiatives to combat hoarding, aims to help individuals declutter their homes and connect them with mental health support services.

The BBC has documented Clouds End’s efforts over four months, revealing personal stories from individuals like Sue, who began hoarding in her teens after experiencing family trauma. After receiving support in 2020, Sue has made notable progress in clearing her home, stating, ‘Hoarding isn’t the problem; it’s often a response to deeper issues.’ She encourages others in similar situations to seek help from healthcare professionals or charities.

Another participant, David, who lives in his childhood home, has struggled with hoarding after becoming a caregiver for his mother. His home is filled with numerous collectibles, and despite previous efforts to declutter, he has returned to hoarding behaviors. David shared that the comfort he finds in his belongings complicates his recovery.

Statistics reveal the dangers of extensive hoarding, with six fatalities and 33 injuries reported in fire incidents linked to hoarded properties in the West Midlands since 2021, according to the West Midlands Fire Service.

Matuozzo advocates for a national strategy to address hoarding, suggesting the creation of a Hoarding Charter to make Birmingham the first city globally to prioritize hoarding awareness. Currently, local authorities have varying plans in place, but there is no cohesive national policy to address the issue systematically.

The U.S. has begun addressing the hoarding crisis, with a Senate committee report in 2024 highlighting the prevalence of hoarding disorder among its aging population. Approximately 14 million individuals in the U.S. exhibit signs of this condition, prompting discussions about new policies.

Sam Wainman, a doctoral researcher at the University of Birmingham, notes that many individuals hoard to cling to memories or cope with loss. He stresses that effective intervention should focus on the individual rather than their belongings.

In response to calls for a national strategy, a spokesperson from the Department of Health and Social Care acknowledged the lack of adequate support for individuals with mental health issues, committing to recruit an additional 8,500 mental health workers and invest £26 million in new crisis centers. This move aims to ensure individuals receive timely support and care for their mental health needs.