Starting 13th May, National Hording Awareness Week is a stakeholder awareness campaign across the political, health and social care communities to raise awareness of the risks associated with hoarding. The key messages of UK Hoarding Awareness Week 2024 are:
- The importance of being educated on the condition to increase chances of support for those affected.
- Creating partnerships that encourage multi agency approaches and working together as a team.
This year, they are celebrating 10 years since the first awareness week was devised, by reflecting on how much has changed over the last decade regarding the awareness and education surrounding Hoarding Disorder. To join in the conversation use #HAW2024 across all social media channels.
As part of this, the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership have collaborated with their partners for local businesses and community groups to host a coffee morning on Friday 17 May in Falkirk town centre.
The Falkirk Delivers team will host will host workers with experience of supporting people who hoard to chat about the ways people can be affected by the condition. Alan Small, Chair, Falkirk Adult Protection Committee, explains:
“There are many reasons why people keep items, or begin to hoard things like newspapers, books, containers, clothes, plastic bags, or animals. However, the effect and risks are similar. We know that people become socially isolated, develop ill-mental health, are more at risk of falls within their home, and increase their risk of suffering a household fire. Our aim is to bring our community together to learn, share and raise understanding and awareness. If you think you or someone you know could use support, we’re happy to help.”
Members of the Adult Support and Protection Committee Hoarding Working Group, including Social Work Services and the local Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, will be on hand to chat about identifying the risks of clutter and hoarding – and how to access support. People can pop by the Falkirk Delivers Hub (beside the Steeple) at 104 High Street between 10am and 2pm on Friday 17 May to learn more while enjoying complementary hot drinks and cakes.
For further information about Hoarding Awareness Week, please visit their website directly. For further information about the Coffee Morning, please see the Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership website.
Leave a Reply