An update from the Hoarding Taskforce

Published in Supporting people who hoard on 17 Feb 2025

2025 has started at a fast pace with Hoarding Taskforce activities. Iriss Development Leads Kerry and Louise have been out and about facilitating stakeholder events with the taskforce local partners - Pan Lanarkshire, Glasgow City and Clackmannanshire and Stirling. Over 200 people participated across the three events, representing a fantastic cross-section of agencies, groups and organisations that provide care, support and public protection at local and national levels.  All people were there because they wanted to better understand what works and be part of developing a compassionate and connected system of support for individuals and households impacted by hoarding. Each event was also fortunate to hear from local workers and experts by experience on the realities of supporting people around hoarding. Thank you to guest presenters and to the three sets of local partners who supported the events. The buzz of people making new links, exchanging knowledge and information, and asking questions echoed around the meeting rooms in Hamilton, Alloa and Glasgow. Once all the many notes are written up and synthesised we’ll share learning from the events -  so keep an eye out for another update on that!

In other news the taskforce membership has also been growing, with insights from new members and perspectives from experts by experience helping to focus and extend the work. It’s a busy time with lots of avenues to explore and new connections to make and we’re starting to look towards the second year of this collaborative activity.

That said, the Taskforce still needs to hear more from people across a range of organisations, agencies and services to better understand what resources about hoarding you use and where you see a need for more (or different) resources to inform your work.

 

Our hoarding resources audit has been extended until Friday April 11th and we’re keen to hear from colleagues in the following areas of work:

  • Health - from all frontline and community based practitioners, including mental health, addictions, community nurses, GPs, community link workers/practitioners 
  • Third sector organisations that support people (not necessarily specifically supporting people around hoarding)
  • Young people, children and families agencies
  • Housing
  • Social care
  • Environmental health

These resources might include guidance, policies or training resources about hoarding from your organisation or local area, research articles, national guidance, UK or international documents and training videos, podcasts or other things! 
Please help us by taking part in this audit. It only takes a few minutes to complete the form!

Take part in the audit here