New Pembrokeshire service launched to help with hoarding
The Wallich, a homelessness charity, has introduced the therapeutic service, 'Making Space', to assist individuals in Pembrokeshire who struggle with hoarding.
The initiative, commissioned by Pembrokeshire County Council, aims to provide support without judgement.
The service offers therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed approaches, to help individuals understand their hoarding behaviour and prevent relapse.
A community support group has also been established to provide ongoing emotional and practical peer support.
Hoarding, a condition often linked with depression, trauma, or anxiety, affects people across all ages and income groups.
It is characterised by the collection and storage of a large number of items, which can interfere with everyday tasks.
Phill Stapley, strategic operational lead for The Wallich, said: "Hoarding is a complex and often misunderstood condition.
"It's not about messiness or being lazy, and there are emotional and physical impacts for those affected and their families.
"People can often become isolated, unwell, unsafe and, in some cases, that can lead to the potential loss of their home.
"We won't come into someone's home and begin clearing – we work with them, at their own pace, to help organise their home."
Councillor Michelle Bateman, cabinet member for housing, said: "This fantastic service will help those that need help to ensure their homes remain safe and liveable, with those offering support really understanding the impact hoarding can have on people's well-being."
Since 2022, the council has received concerns of hoarding or sanitary issues relating to 729 households in Pembrokeshire.
The Making Space initiative adds to a series of new services launched by The Wallich, including a rough sleeping team and a conflict resolution service to prevent eviction.
To access the service, people are referred to the Pembrokeshire Council Housing Support Gateway.
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