Town centre coffee morning to raise understanding of hoarding

News

Local businesses and community groups will host a coffee morning on Friday 17 May in Falkirk town centre as part of Hoarding Awareness Week.

The national Hoarding Awareness Week campaign has been held for the past 10 years to raise understanding of hoarding, which is now a recognised mental health condition.

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 Adult Protection Support in Falkirk, contact the team on:

or at all other times:

Further information about hoarding is available on the Hoarding Awareness Week website.