Introduction
Our hoarding service is designed to support clients to reduce the level of clutter within their property and make the environment safer. Our Home Safety Support Officers work with people who struggle to discard items but do not provide a cleaning service.
Our highly trained Home Safety Support Officers support clients to look at the barriers they face. Together they create a plan to help make behavioural changes, setting goals and implementing routines. They support the client to manage the tasks that they would like to complete, as well as arrange to remove the items when they are ready.
Working at the client’s pace, we use a multi-disciplinary approach, linking our clients in with other services and organisations as appropriate. We work with all tenures, housing associations, private landlords and homes owners.
The assistance and time provided by the Home Safety Support Officers incurs no cost. But depending on circumstances, there may be financial implications further on in the process for the removal and disposal of items. The team will work with everyone involved to explore various funding options should this be the case.
On average, our cases remain open for around 12 months. After which time the Home Safety Support Officers will look to address any repairs that may be required, and support with possible funding options that are available at the time.
Eligibility
Has to be five or above on the National Clutter Rating. (Please search for ‘Clutter Rating’ online for further guidance) and one or more of the following:
- Blocked exits and stairs
- Unable to use key rooms in the house for daily functions – kitchen, bathroom, bedroom
- Other serious hazards around the home such as fire, pests, and disrepair
- Risk of losing tenancy
- Children under 16 living in the property
- Find it difficult to discard items or have an emotional attachment to items which prevents clearing
Biohazards
Any biohazards will need to be removed before a visit can be carried out by out by the Home Safety Team. The team are able to arrange two quotes for contractors and be present at the visits. The Home Safety Team are unable to fund the clean, and funds will need to be sourced externally, however the team are happy to help explore funding options with the referrer.
Pests
Pest control will need to have been addressed before the Home Safety Team carry out the initial visit. The Home Safety team are unable to fund the pest control, and funds will need to be sourced externally, however the team are happy to help explore funding options with the referrer.