Clearing the way
Berkshire Life|January 2020
Time for a fresh start? Many of us aim to get on top of our household chores in January, but what of those affected by hoarding disorders? We spoke to a new Reading-based support group helping people with issues
Clearing the way

While many of us have been sprucing up our homes for the New Year, Hoarding Disorders UK have launched their third support group for people affected by hoarding issues after Reading Borough Council approached the organisation about providing support in the borough.

Jo Cooke co-founded Hoarding Disorders UK after her work as a declutterer revealed the extent of the hoarding problem, and she has since written a book called Understanding Hoarding, which is a comprehensive and practical guide to the subject.

“Hoarding disorder is now recognised as a mental health disorder and is usually described as persistent difficulty discarding or parting with possessions, regardless of their monetary value and accumulating possessions in a manner that congests and clutters living areas,” says Jo. “It can greatly affect a person’s ability to function and carries a high level of risk to those who hoard and to the people they are living with.”

The conditions of hoarders’ homes are often challenging. “Not all are squalid and dirty but many are, with very little access to hot water and heating, to a sink to wash up at or the use of a shower, let alone a bed to sleep in or the use of a cooker,” explains Jo. “Toilets are often blocked, with damp and mould prevalent. Some homes trap bad smells; others are deep in dust through the sheer volume of paperwork and books, while the smell of rotting food, urine and cat faeces can be overwhelming.”

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the January 2020 edition of Berkshire Life.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM BERKSHIRE LIFEView All
A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home
Berkshire Life

A Home For Keeps - Reader At Home

Alex and James Fielden were looking for a forever home. Their search ended as soon as they pulled up outside this Georgian property in Berkshire

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?
Berkshire Life

Duke & Duchess Of Berkshire?

They are the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge but should they really be the Duke and Duchess of Berkshire, which is, of course, a Royal county?

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
A national hero
Berkshire Life

A national hero

He started out like many other children born in Reading, but mention Justin Fletcher to any kid in the land these days and their eyes will light up

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Fruitful thinking
Berkshire Life

Fruitful thinking

Ryan Simpson believes the world is our orchard. A project that began over a pint in his local is making the county more fruity

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL
Berkshire Life

THE BERKSHIRE BOMBSHELL

Berkshire has had more than its fair share of famous inhabitants. However, few had such an explosive reputation as Diana Dors

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”
Berkshire Life

“I'll always be a Berkshire girl”

Despite her international acclaim as the star of TV’s Tracy Beaker, Dani Harmer has never strayed far from her roots

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020
Remembering the fallen
Berkshire Life

Remembering the fallen

The most destructive war in human history lasted for six years and cost 60 million lives, the majority non-combatants. It is easy to understand why those who had survived wanted to celebrate the end of that conflict

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
HIDDEN WONDERS
Berkshire Life

HIDDEN WONDERS

Berkshire photographer Matt Emmett has made it his mission to explore the forgotten architecture and heritage many people miss in their home towns

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2020
EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead
Berkshire Life

EXPLORING BERKSHIRE - Majestic Maidenhead

Rejuvenation and revival; two buzz words surrounding the biggest town in the Royal borough. With riverside views and a vibrant arts and dining out scene, this high-class town is well worth a look

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2020
A good grounding
Berkshire Life

A good grounding

Berkshire has some of the best homes in the land, so perhaps it is no coincidence that the nation’s favourite property guru went to school in Wokingham

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2020