‘People think you’ve got 10,000 cats’: the support group for hoarders
The News
A UK housing association is taking an empathetic approach to hoarding by supporting a peer support group. Participants like Tony and Sarah share their struggles, including living without basic amenities due to fear of eviction if they request repairs. Sian Cowley, who has hoarded for decades, describes living without central heating and hot water. The group aims to reduce stigma and provide a safe space for hoarders to seek help.
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The Analysis
Intelligence Brief
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Hoarding carries a stigma: 'People think you’ve got 10,000 cats'.
Tony showers at his local leisure centre in Birkenhead every day because his landlord won't fix his bathroom due to his hoarding.
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Key findings
Sian Cowley says many hoarders live without hot water, heating, and cooking due to fear of eviction when bringing in repair people.
Opinion- Hoarding carries a stigma: 'People think you’ve got 10,000 cats'.
- Support group provides a safe space for hoarders to share experiences.
Trust Breakdown
Plain English
Loaded language removed<p>Many hoarders are scared to seek help but one UK housing association is taking a more empathetic approach</p><p>At one end of the table sits Tony*, who showers at his local leisure centre in Birkenhead every day. His landlord won’t fix his bathroom because of his hoarding. Then there’s Sarah*, who ended up homeless with her three teenagers after their landlord evicted them because of hoarding.
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Claims
Sian Cowley says many hoarders live without hot water, heating, and cooking due to fear of eviction when bringing in repair people.
OpinionTony showers at his local leisure centre in Birkenhead every day because his landlord won't fix his bathroom due to his hoarding.
The GuardianSarah ended up homeless with her three teenagers after their landlord evicted them because of hoarding.
The Guardian