Hampshire services call for funding as nature wellbeing event found to help people with hoarding disorder
A Hampshire service say they've found a new nature initiative to help those with the disorder
A Hampshire service are calling for more funding as they find a nature wellbeing event which could help those with hoarding disorder.
Hoarding disorder is a recognised mental health condition that affects over one million people in the UK.
Red Squirrel OT CIC and Woodland Wellbeing hope to run a forest bathing taster session for 10 participants with the disorder to experience health benefits of nature, but say without funding it can't go ahead.
Brigitte Hoare, Director of Red Squirrel OT CIC, said: "It's really important because there is so much evidence out there that nature is really good for us.
"The people that struggle with hoarding, very often, there are other health conditions, so they may have depression and anxiety, which are really associated with hoarding.
"So engaging in an activity such as forest bathing, you're coming out of your environment, which may be impacting you negatively, and engaging with nature.
"The evidence says that it can reduce blood pressure, lower your stress levels, and it's really good for reducing anxiety and depression and promoting really good sleep.
"Those are all things, when you have a mental health illness, that can really affect you and make a difference.
Forest bathing, originating in Japan, is a guided and mindful walk through woodland.
Ms Hoare added: "We always try and find people meaningful interventions that are going to work for them.
"Everyone is different, it's not going to be right for everybody, but it's a trial and error thing with mental health.
"One thing will work for one person and not for another, but we do need to try these things to see if they do work for you."
Hoarding disorder was recognised by the World Health Organisation in 2018 and can affect people in a number of ways.
Red Squirrel OT CIC is a Community Interest Company who provide specialist occupational therapy services for people affected by hoarding and other complex needs.