Feedback from SN&H event 2024
In October 2024, the NSAB subgroup on self-neglect and hoarding put on an in-person event which was also greatly enhanced by Dr David Orr from the University of Sussex, with whom a number of Norfolk partners had worked over the previous year supporting his research into this area.
We had a great turnout on the day, around 130 people attended to learn more about this issue which affects so many people and often requires tailored support from across our multi-agency partnership.
Following the event we asked for feedback, some of which we have summarised and set out below.
Top tips from attendees about working with people who may self-neglect and / or hoard
Helping Others
To effectively support residents, it's crucial to ask questions and share concerns with colleagues and other professionals. Communication and networking are key to understanding local services and collaborating efficiently, avoiding duplicated efforts.
Communication is Key
Ensure everyone is on the same page with agreed goals. Really listen to clients, build rapport, and understand the reasons behind their behaviours to provide lasting solutions.
Multi-Agency Collaboration
Share details and communicate effectively. Listen to experts and those with lived experiences.
"Multi-disciplinary team working through the SHH has really helped, having on hand teams with additional knowledge to come together to think about approaches and risk and ways forward with the person have been invaluable to keep the focus on the person."
Recognising Communication's Importance
Be aware of available services. Collaboration and synergy between services ensure a consistent approach from both practitioners and service users. Stay open-minded, address biases, and understand clients' perspectives.
Collective Effort
Work together to understand and share risks, engaging with clients at their pace to achieve their desired outcomes. More resources are needed in wider Norfolk Districts outside Norwich City.
Listening and Understanding
Listen to tenants to find the root cause of their hoarding. Recognise that each person struggling with self-neglect is unique and may have experienced trauma. Collaboration and communication are essential.
Person-Centred Approach
Everyone needs to step up to help the person. Housing often struggles to get agencies involved. Communication and teamwork with other services are crucial. Be patient and work in a trauma-informed way.
Building Relationships
Involve the person and their support network to find out what's important and manage risks together. More information about local support is needed to help vulnerable families and residents in Breckland.
Building positive relationships with tenants who hoard or self-neglect is vital, though it requires time, money, and resources, which are often limited.
Slow and Steady
Don't expect instant results. Listen, check information, and share concerns. A slow, steady approach with non-judgmental listening and support is key. Working together helps find solutions and share the load.
Focus on the Individual
Put the person at the centre of decisions. Get to know them and focus on their needs to prevent future issues or reoccurrences of hoarding. Try to secure funding before approaching organisations for help.
Feedback on attending the event and what people found useful
Understanding Self-Neglect and Hoarding
It's important to explore available resources and speak with other organisations to see how they can help support the people we work with. Safeguarding approaches should be discussed, considering strategies and risks despite service limitations.
Person-Centred Approaches
Seeing other teams operate similarly, but with different methods, highlights the importance of understanding why people hoard and learning from colleagues in different fields. Networking encourages collaboration and knowing key information for relevant organisations is crucial.
Norwich Initiatives
The work in Norwich has been fantastic. Improving our understanding of its impact on public sectors like health and the Fire Service could help fund a wider County service. Chatting with others across the sector is valuable.
Event Insights
"The whole event was well organised, informative and thought-provoking. I am better informed on the impact of hoarding and self-neglect on the individual involved and the importance in multi-agency working in supporting."
Multi-agency working is vital, and knowing what help is available is essential.
"Admiring the joined-up thinking in Norfolk, I plan to research its effectiveness in Suffolk and explore how Lofty Heights CIC can strengthen a comprehensive approach."
Addressing Societal Issues
Continued work is needed to address issues stemming from trauma and maladaptive coping strategies. Understanding why people hoard is crucial. The Safe Habitable Homes service reflects beneficial research, but there's room to embed more findings into practice.
Networking and Collaboration
Understanding issues, barriers, and solutions is key. Networking with other agencies reveals there's more to hoarding than expected. Learning about other districts' needs and catching up with colleagues is beneficial.
Research and Perspectives
Dr David Orr's research and presentations were excellent. Being part of the broader conversation around hoarding and self-neglect is valuable. Face-to-face meetings and workshops with colleagues help see things from different perspectives and understand how we can work together.
Case Studies and Experiences
Learning about case studies and a joined-up approach helps tenants. Listening to other services' experiences and barriers is informative. Talking to individuals in other services helps understand their roles and approaches.
Building Relationships
Networking and relationships with other professionals are important. Meeting people face-to-face and hearing about new services is enlightening. Collaboration, sharing good practices, and life stories are essential.
Support and Safety
Knowing that help is available and being curious about hidden indicators is important. Networking and group work remind us to support customers when they're ready and ensure their safety. Meeting colleagues from other agencies and learning about new services is beneficial.
Diagnosis and Recognition
Learning that hoarding has a diagnosis, though not widely recognised by GPs, is important.