Jigsaw Homes Group has once again joined forces with Tameside Adults Safeguarding Partnership Board (TASPB), Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Ashton Pioneer Homes to take part in Hoarding Awareness Week (May 13 to 17).
On Monday, 13 May from 10am to 12 pm, the Tameside Hoarding partners will be hosting a stand in Ashton Market Hall where people will be welcome to find out more about hoarding behaviour and how to get help if they, or someone they know, is affected by it.
This Tameside partnership was created a year ago to help people across Tameside who are affected by hoarding behaviour. This year’s Hoarding Awareness theme looks back at how much has changed over the last decade regarding the awareness and education surrounding the Hoarding Disorder and is all part of its aim to dispel myths and provide effective support for hoarding.
Hoarding is now a recognised mental health disorder but, unlike other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression, it is often wrongly defined and stigmatised by what people have in their homes.
Did you know that:
- 2-5% of the population suffer with Hoarding Disorder / Behaviour
- 92% of individuals with Hoarding Disorder / Behaviour also have another coexisting mental health condition
- Hoarding Disorder is more common than OCD and Schizophrenia combined
This means that between for 4,500 and 11,300 Tameside residents could potentially be exhibiting hoarding behaviour.
Hoarding Specialist at Jigsaw Homes Group, Jayne Mee, works with people to help them access other vital support services. She also works with the Group’s neighbourhood safety team and the fire and rescue service to share the message about potential fire risks to those who hoard.
Jayne said: “Hoarding is often seen as a bad habit, the result of laziness or a lifestyle choice, but it is none of these things. It is a psychological condition when someone cannot discard or part with their items without feeling extremely distressed.
“Hoarding behaviour can be helped with compassion and understanding. There are no quick fixes, but it does need intervention. Our work with people who have lived experience of this disorder provides a safe space so that we can all work together to support people affected by hoarding.”
Julie McKnight, a Jigsaw tenant, and member of the Tameside Hoarders Helping Hoarders Peer Support Group, said, “Don’t be paralyzed by your belongings. Break the silence get the help and support you need.”
If you have a hoarding disorder, or you know someone who does, you can get help by contacting Jigsaw Homes Group (if you are a Jigsaw Homes resident) on 0300 011 1144 or Tameside Adult Safeguarding Board on 0161 922 4888.
The next Tameside Hoarders Helping Hoarders Peer Support Group will be on Thursday 16th May from 1.30pm to 3pm, at 4c Community Centre on Taunton Road in Ashton.
For more information on help across Manchester, Merseyside and Lancashire see http://hoardershelpinghoarders.com or visit our website https://www.jigsawhomes.org.uk/information-article/hoarding/
