A FORMER care worker was reduced to sleeping on a small corner of his sofa after his hoarding habit spiralled out of control.

Steve Green confessed he struggled to walk around the rooms of his Accrington home while his condition was at its worst - and was totally unable to access his bedroom or bathroom.

The 71-year-old has now spoken about his experience, saying he was initially anxious about seeking help.

However Mr Green did gain the courage to contact his local mental health team, run by the Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust, to get the guidance he needed.

The former care worker and amateur photographer was reduced to sleeping on a small section of his sofa after his bedroom and bathroom became so cluttered, he was unable to access them.

Taking a shower, washing clothes or making a cup of tea became unmanageable due to the amount of belongings stacked in each room.

Feeling trapped in his own home during periods of shielding and isolation due to the pandemic, Mr Green's mental health also began to deteriorate. Following assessment, The Mount in Accrington referred him to Ruth Hartman, occupational therapist, and Steph Liggins, support time recovery worker at East Lancashire Community Living Skills Mental Health Team.

Mr Green said: “I wasn’t living like you should do, I struggled to walk around any room because of the stuff piled high, and I knew I needed help. I was quite anxious to make the call, not knowing if I would be judged or embarrassed at the situation I was living in.”

Ruth and Steph began visiting Steve four times a week to help him gradually declutter his home and address his underlying mental health concerns.

Ruth said: “When we first met Steve, it was really awful to see the conditions he was living in and just how much this was affecting his daily life.

"He was embarrassed to let anyone in his home and had completely isolated himself. His life has completely changed in such a short time and it’s hard to believe that his house was ever in that condition.

"While his house looks amazing, the biggest difference has been in Steve as a person. It’s so heart-warming to see him so happy and thriving – he truly is living his best life and we’ll actually be sad to leave him as he’s been a pleasure to support and get to know.”

After six months of regular support from the team, Steve is recovering from his disorder and following the lifting of further Covid-19 restrictions, is back out in the community joining groups and meeting new people, helping to reduce the risk of falling back into hoarding habits.

Steve added: “I feel like my life has turned around, it’s made such a fantastic difference. Ruth and Steph have been so good, they worked at my pace and helped me get back into my own bed after nearly three years living in the lounge.

“I also get to see my grandchildren again after so long apart, now I have a safe space for them to come to. I can’t describe the feeling it gives you to get help, it feels marvellous really.”

To understand more on hoarding disorder disorders including causes and patterns of behaviour, visit: Hoarding disorder - NHS (www.nhs.uk)