‘Hoarding left me on Oxfordshire’s streets, now I’ve got the support I needed’
A man who spent six months homeless in Oxfordshire after being evicted from his flat due to excessive hoarding has spoken about the condition and how he manages it.
Leslie Midwinter was made homeless in 2008 after storing large quantities of items of personal importance to him, leading to concerns about the condition of his property.
He was referred to Response – Oxfordshire’s largest independent mental health charity – which specialises in providing person-centred support for individuals who struggle with hoarding items.
Eighteen years on, Leslie has spoken publicly for the first time about his experiences and how he continues to manage his relationship with possessions while living in supported accommodation in Oxford.
“Put simply, I wasn’t looking after the property,” said Leslie.
“Letting go of items is still difficult for me, particularly when there’s an emotional connection to them.
“But it got to a point where I needed support. Response has helped me stay in my home and manage things better.”
Estimates suggest up to four million people in the UK live with hoarding disorder, and in 2018 the World Health Organization classified hoarding as a mental health condition.
Response has continued to work with Leslie in his accommodation, supporting him to maintain a safe and manageable living environment and to understand the triggers linked to anxiety around possessions.
“The team visits me regularly to help me keep on top of things,” said Leslie.
“They’ve helped me understand why I hold onto items, and how to manage the anxiety I feel when I have to let things go.”
Michael Amoabeng, a project worker at Response, works closely with Leslie to provide ongoing support.
He added: “Hoarding is often misunderstood as messiness or a lifestyle choice. In reality, it is a complex mental health condition that can have a serious impact on wellbeing, relationships and safety.
“Leslie has been working with Response for many years. Progress is gradual and requires trust and consistency.
“His current accommodation is stable and he continues to engage well with support. That engagement is key to maintaining his progress.”