In your corner

If clutter or hoarding behaviour is affecting your home, your health or your tenancy, it can feel overwhelming – especially when letters arrive, inspections are booked, or professionals start making decisions about your life.

I want you to know there is someone in your corner.

I've spent many years working alongside people living with severe clutter and hoarding, as well as with housing, health and social care services involved in their lives. I understand how these situations come about, how frightening it can feel when other people seem to hold all the power, and how much better things can go when your voice is truly heard.

What advocacy means here

Advocacy is about making sure you are listened to, that you understand what is happening, and that your views, wishes and rights are respected.

It isn't about taking over, judging you, or telling you what to do. It's about standing alongside you, so you feel more confident and more in control.

How I can help

I offer clear, honest information and guidance. I can help you to:

• Make sense of letters and notices – from your landlord, council, environmental health, social work or health services

• Understand your rights and options – so you know what can and can't happen, and what choices you have

• Prepare for meetings, inspections or reviews – what to expect, what to say, and what to ask

• Put your views into words – including in writing, if that feels easier

• Speak up when something feels wrong – if an approach feels rushed, unfair or forced, I can help you question it and ask for decisions to be explained

• Find other help – such as mental health services, peer support or practical services, if and when you want them

What I don't do

So that you know exactly what to expect:

• I don't offer hands-on help* such as decluttering, clearing or cleaning

• I don't make decisions for you or pressure you to do anything

• I don't take anyone else's side

• I'm not a crisis or emergency service (see below)

*If you'd like practical help from a specialist practitioner, I can help you find it – and help you work out what good, respectful support should look like.

My approach

My advocacy is guided by the following principles:

I'm on your side
I stay loyal to you and stand by your views and wishes – not what others think is best for you.

Your voice matters
I'll help make sure you are listened to and that your views are taken into account in decisions about your life.

I'll stand up for fairness
People affected by hoarding often face stigma, misunderstanding and unfair treatment. I'll help you challenge that.

You'll also find that I:

• never judge or criticise

• go at a pace that you find manageable

• keep what you tell me confidential – the only exception is if someone is at serious risk of harm, and if that happens I will always try to talk with you first

• am open about my role and any other work I do (see below)

Who this is for

If you're living with extreme clutter or hoarding behaviours
This is for you, whatever stage you're at. You don't need a diagnosis, and you don't need to have "tried everything" first.

If you're a family member or friend
Watching someone you care about struggle can be painful and confusing. I can give you information and guidance about what's happening, how to help without making things harder, and what your options are.

If I'm directly supporting your relative, my loyalty needs to sit with them, and support for loved ones is therefore by way of information and guidance rather than advocacy.

How it works

It's free, it's remote, and you're in control at every step.

1. Book a call – for a date and time that suits you.

2. A short, informal chat – there's no pressure to share more than you want to.

3. Agree what you'd like help with – you decide what matters most.

4. I support you through the next steps – for as long as it's helpful.

You won't need to show me your home, and you can stop the conversation at any time.

Wherever you are in the UK

I work remotely, so I can support people anywhere in the UK. I'm based in Edinburgh and have particular knowledge of Scottish housing, social care and mental health policy – so if you live in Scotland, I can be especially helpful with how things work here.

Not ready to talk yet?

That's completely fine. You're welcome to look around first.

This resource might be helpful: Conversation Starter

I'll be here when you're ready.

Get in touch

Reaching out can be the hardest part. You don't have to explain everything at once.

Book a call - there is no charge, and no obligation.

View my calendar

Being open with you

I also train and advise organisations that work with people affected by hoarding. I will never share what you tell me with them, and I'll always let you know if I've worked with an organisation involved in your situation – so you can decide whether you're comfortable continuing.

If you need help right now

I'm not an emergency service and I can't always reply straight away.

• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999

• Samaritans (UK-wide, 24/7): 116 123

• Breathing Space (Scotland): 0800 83 85 87

• NHS 24 (Scotland): 111