Case study 6 -supporting high levels of hoarding behind the scenes

Hoarding is a complex mental health condition and each person’s individual circumstances have to be taken into account when deciding on the best approach. In some cases, the referred person who’s displaying the hoarding behaviour may refuse support. The Fire Service’s role then becomes advisory as part of a multi-agency approach.

H is currently displaying high levels of hoarding within her property and has been referred to HIWFRS by both housing and adult social care but she has declined a home fire safety visit to help address the hoarding behaviour. H is at risk of losing her tenancy due to the hoarding concerns, so HIWFRS is working closely with partner agencies through multi-agency risk management meetings to try and support her and ensure her fire risks are still managed and where possible reduced.

H has large kitchen appliances blocking one of the doorways to her property which is a huge fire risk and would prevent her escape in the event of a fire. There are also health concerns as there may be vermin within the property due to storage of spoiled food items.

H has recently allowed some of her neighbours (who she knows and trusts) to enter the property and start to clear some of the hoarded items.

H has a visit booked with another agency soon and if H allows them to enter her property then there is hope that HIWFRS can attend in the near future to address the fire concerns caused by hoarding.

HIWFRS are waiting for confirmation for a home fire safety (safe and well) visit to go ahead. Until then, HIWFRS will continue to support partner agencies with mitigating fire risks.