Two East Devon residents have been helped to overcome challenges in their homes, thanks to East Devon District Council (EDDC). 

One individual, a Seaton resident, suffers from hoarding. They became overwhelmed in their own home and were living without heating. There were dangerous electrics and their bathroom and kitchen were unusable.  

EDDC is called to more than a dozen hoarder and self-neglect cases a year, in both privately rented and owned homes a year. Residents can end up needing support from their local councils which will then work with partners such as social service, the NHS and mental health teams. 

In this case, a social worker called in a specially trained EDDC officer to help. The resident had not done anything to the house in many years and it had fallen into a state of severe disrepair. Nobody had entered the home in years, due to the owner's embarrassment. 

Vital works and repairs were carried out so the resident could live there safely. EDDC visited the resident a number of times over a two year period and developed a supportive relationship. EDDC helped the resident access loans and grants, which helped to pay for a new wiring, first time central heating, a new kitchen, a stairlift and a disabled bathroom, so they were able to shower. 

Councillor Dan Ledger, EDDC's portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities said: "This was a very unique case but, like many others, this wasn't just a quick fix, our officers worked closely with the resident over two years.

"In this case the resident had become overwhelmed in their own home and didn't know where to start, the help offered made a real impact on their quality of life and when we have revisited, the home is still spotless. The resident has since told officers how they couldn't have done it without their support, and is so much happier now, especially as they can finally have visitors over, which they would have never done before."

Over in Exmouth, a family were living in a home which had severe damp and black mould. Condensation was running down the walls and there was a constant smell of damp. The situation was so bad that the children's clothes were not drying properly and were smelling, causing them to be bullied at school. 

The family contacted EDDC, who sent an environmental health officer to the house to see how they could help. 

The council helped the residents write to their landlord about the state of the house. The affected areas in the house were then repainted and an extractor fan was fitted in the bathroom and kitchen, which will reduce condensation. 

Councillor Dan Ledger, EDDC's portfolio holder for sustainable homes and communities said: "It was really nice to know our officers were able to help this family in need who didn't know what to do to fix the issue in their home. In this case, we worked with a very willing landlord who wanted to help as much as we did, once they knew there was a problem at the property.

"A big part of officers' jobs is to help tenants communicate issues when they either don't know how to themselves, are embarrassed or are worried, so need support contacting their landlords.

"We would like to encourage anyone who is having damp or mould issues, or any other repair problems, to contact their landlord or letting agent. And if they still need help your council is here to help you!"

Getting support

If you are affected by hoarding or self-neglect, you can contact your GP and ask for help. You can also contact EDDC's environmental health's private sector team by emailing [email protected] or call 01395 571572. You can contact EDDC on behalf of a friend or family member.

If you live in a council property and have mould or damp, you should contact EDDC for support.