National Hoarding Awareness Week

We’re supporting National Hoarding Awareness Week from 11 - 15 May, helping to increase understanding about hoarding, challenge stigma, and encourage people to seek support.

Hoarding can often be misunderstood as clutter or untidiness, but it’s a serious and complex mental health condition that can have significant impacts on someone’s health, safety, and quality of life. It increases the chances of having a fire which can lead to serious injuries and damage to your home.

Common signs of hoarding include:

• difficulty organising or managing belongings
• strong attachment to items, even those with little value
• struggling with everyday tasks such as cleaning or cooking
• excessive clutter inside or outside the home
• limited social interaction or reluctance to allow visitors

Support available in Barnsley

If you or someone you know is affected by hoarding, there is local help available.

Berneslai Homes tenants can access:

• support from their neighbourhood officer
• help from the Tenants First team
• tailored, practical solutions to help maintain a safe and comfortable home

Barnsley Council offers support for people experiencing hoarding or self-neglect, helping to make sure the right help is in place.

If you’re struggling with too much stuff, finding it hard to cope, or hoarding is affecting your life then join the D’Clutter Club - a free local support group run by Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board.

If you’re concerned about someone else, you can raise this anonymously so that support can be provided.

Visit our hoarding webpage to find out more and access local support.