How To Access Support

Support for Hoarding Disorder can come from a range of services. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to access one or more of the following.

Your GP

For many people, their General Practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact.

They can:

Listen to your concerns.
Assess how Hoarding Disorder is affecting your wellbeing.
Discuss any related mental or physical health conditions.
Refer you to local mental health services where appropriate.
Help you access other community support.

The Hoarding Ice Breaker Form is an excellent resource that can be used to support conversations, download for free here.

NHS Mental Health Services

For many people, their General Practitioner (GP) is the first point of contact.

They can:

Listen to your concerns.
Assess how Hoarding Disorder is affecting your wellbeing.
Discuss any related mental or physical health conditions.
Refer you to local mental health services where appropriate.
Help you access other community support.

Adult Social Care

Adult Social Care supports adults who may need help to maintain their independence, wellbeing or safety.

If Hoarding Disorder is affecting your ability to manage everyday activities or creating risks within your home, Adult Social Care may be able to:

Carry out a Care Act assessment (England) or a Social Care Needs Assessment (Wales) to understand your support needs.
Help identify what matters most to you and agree realistic goals.
Coordinate support from other services.
Arrange practical assistance where eligible.
Support carers and family members through separate carers' assessments.
Work with health professionals, housing providers and community organisations to provide coordinated support.

Adult Social Care aims to work collaboratively with you rather than making decisions on your behalf wherever possible.

How to access Adult Social Care

You can usually contact your local authority's Adult Social Care team directly without needing a referral from your GP. Most councils have an online referral form as well as a telephone advice service. Family members, carers and professionals can also make referrals where appropriate.

Housing Services

Housing Services support people to maintain safe and sustainable tenancies, whether they rent from a local authority, housing association or, in some cases, a private landlord.

If clutter or possessions are affecting your tenancy or creating concerns about the condition of your home, Housing Services may:

Offer advice and support before problems become more serious.
Work with you to develop manageable action plans.
Refer you to specialist support services.
Coordinate with Adult Social Care, mental health services or voluntary organisations.
Help prevent tenancy breakdown or homelessness.
Arrange reasonable adjustments where appropriate if your mental health is affecting your ability to manage your home.

Many housing providers now understand that successful outcomes are more likely when support is provided alongside any housing interventions.

How to access Housing Services

If you are a council tenant or housing association tenant, you can contact your housing officer directly. If you rent privately, your local authority's Housing Options or Housing Support team may also be able to provide advice.

Fire and Rescue Service (Fire Safety Teams):

Many Fire and Rescue Services offer free Home Fire Safety Visits (sometimes called Safe and Well Visits). These visits are supportive rather than judgemental and may include:

Fire safety advice tailored to your home.
Smoke alarm installation or testing.
Advice on escape planning.
Identifying practical ways to reduce fire risks.
Referrals to other support services if you agree.

The focus is on helping you stay safe while respecting your home and circumstances.

How to access Fire Safety Teams

You can contact your local Fire and Rescue Service directly to request a Home Fire Safety Visit. Many services also accept referrals from GPs, social workers, housing providers, family members and community organisations, with your knowledge and consent wherever possible.

Third Sector and Community Organisations

Charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), peer support groups and community organisations play an important role in supporting people affected by Hoarding Disorder.

Support may include: