We have here some of the suggestions from HAW from 2016:
· Ask OCD/BDD groups to engage in an activity that will raise awareness of Hoarding. Ask group to provide ideas.
· Focus on friends, family and neighbours – reassure them they are not getting the person into trouble.
· Highlight what Hoarding is and what help is available in that area
· Roadshows
· Networking and best practice events
· Practical measures to reduce the risk of fires
· Awareness sessions for staff
· Campaign to de-clutter and donate
· Case studies to show the benefits
· Interviews/Feedback from people with Hoarding issues, and their families
· Joint agency events
· Myths/Truths about Hoarding
· A space for people to bring unwanted items they find difficult to let go of and to hold a sorting session with tips about useful strategies – this could involve disposal of items that people were able to let go of (the items could be donated to local charities)
· Toolbox talks for contractors/staff members who go into residents’ homes
· Information sessions for staff, residents and/or the general public
· Informal drop-in sessions
· Coffee mornings (in sheltered schemes)
· Promote support in Sheltered & Extra Care schemes
· Promote successful cases, look at national cases – get others in to talk about it e.g. counsellors, MH Teams, Families who’ve lived with a Hoarder
· Show documentaries or clips from TV shows
· Photo-board of Hoarded houses – Before & After
· Flyers/information leaflets for contractors
· ‘Push the Button’ campaign to test smoke alarms are working
· Set up a Hoarders corner in your local shopping centre and ask passers-by if they know anyone who lives like this – this was done previously by the FB and got a great response.
· Host Educational Events – Invite people to attend an event where they can learn something really useful for their own lives, while learning about your issues.
· Host Social Events – Make the reason to get together fun & social, then tack on some information about your cause
· Organise a Service Project – Allow groups (e.g. service clubs, employees at a company etc.) volunteer together in some way related to your work, perhaps on a special volunteer day
· News-jack – Tack your story onto an existing news story. By providing reporters with a story they can use to update breaking news on the following day, your story becomes the second paragraph of the day
· Be the Helpful Friend – Share helpful tips in a friendly way, such as how-to articles and checklists
· Distribute brochures/Leaflets – Where are most people naturally triggers to think about your issues? Put brochures, leaflets or other ‘leave behind’ materials in those places
· Share Your Gratitude – Bring attention to and share your gratitude for others doing good work on your issue
· Be The Trusted Expert – Public research, case studies, or trends data that positions you as the trusted expert on your issues
· Distribute wallet cards, magnets, stickers – small enough items to fit in wallet/purse or attractive enough for a fridge.
· Empower and Connect Others – Bring people together who have a common interest and facilitate their sharing and networking, so they know they’re not alone.
Support me, support you, supporting hoarding together from MRS Independent Living on Vimeo.