During National Hoarding Awareness Week Warwickshire County Council shared photos of dangerous living states from residents struggling with hoarding and self-neglect.

Hoarding and self-neglect are issues that impact a person's health, wellbeing and safety, often leaving homes in dangerous or unliveable conditions.

In one case, concerns were raised in 2023, by a Warwickshire resident about their neighbour Harry, who was suffering from self-neglect.

It took two years with the support from the Environmental Protection Team, social workers and environmental health officers, for Harry's home to be cleared and repaired helping him live safely and independently again.

Another resident, Alice, was also supported after struggling with hoarding and self-neglect. The condition of her home had become so severe she was sleeping in a chair rather than her bedroom due to the mess.

With support from social care services, her home was decluttered and a new bathroom was installed, allowing her to use her bedroom again.

Alice is now living independently and feeling safer and more in control of her house.

Adult social care, Anne-Marie Sonko said: "I would encourage anyone who is worried about a neighbour, friend or family member to come forward, as early support can make a real difference- not only to individuals, but to whole communities."

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