Many residents in Camden are affected by hoarding behaviour — a complex issue that can significantly impact a person’s health, wellbeing, safety, and relationships. It can also pose challenges and risks to professionals supporting them, including those in Adult Social Care, Housing, Environmental Health, Pest Control, and other services.

Hoarding disorder is a recognised mental health condition. It is characterised by the excessive accumulation of items and difficulty discarding possessions, leading to unsafe or cluttered living environments. Crucially, hoarding is not a lifestyle choice or a sign of laziness — it is often linked to trauma, loss, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress. Supporting people with hoarding behaviours requires patience, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach.

To improve how we support residents affected by hoarding, Camden Council has introduced a new model that addresses both the immediate risks to health and safety and the underlying causes of hoarding behaviour. This model has been co-designed with input from residents, staff, and partner organisations.

TWO DISTINCT SERVICES – REFER TO ONE OR THE OTHER

There are now two separate commissioned services working together under this new approach. It is essential that social workers and other professionals refer residents to the correct service based on their needs.

1.      Deep Clean and De-Cluttering Service (provided by ClearUp Solutions)

2.      Specialist Hoarding Support Service (therapeutic support provided by HoardingUK)

HOW THE SERVICES WORK TOGETHER AND WITH COUNCIL TEAMS

While these two contracts operate separately, they will be working together in partnership. ClearUp Solutions staff are being trained by HoardingUK and will be providing the practical decluttering support within the home as part of the therapeutic programme delivered by HoardingUK. This is referred to as the Healthy Homes Programme by HoardingUK.

The packages of support for residents will also be set up using the Team Around Me (TAM) model. The TAM model brings together social workers, housing officers, health and fire safety professionals, and others to jointly plan and co-ordinate support around the resident.

This partnership approach ensures that intervention is holistic, respectful, and trauma-informed, recognising each resident as an expert in their own life and focusing on what matters to them.

Summary – Choosing the Right Service