About the group

Hoarding support groups have proved successful in helping those with hoarding behaviour, as well as family and friends, know that they are not alone, and that support is available.

The Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes Hoarding Support Group has been running for around four years. Initially the sessions were held locally however, due to the need for social distancing during the Covid pandemic, we moved to group sessions by telephone and were able to keep the support running.

As a result, we are now able to expand on the number of group sessions provided. We are also able to open the group to anyone who may have liked to join previously but were located further afield or would have had difficulty travelling to the venue.

Who should join the sessions

The aim of this group is to bring people together who have experienced or are experiencing hoarding issues. This could be those with hoarding issues themselves, or friends, partners, or family of those currently experiencing hoarding.

Within a safe, caring, and supportive environment group participants are invited to share experiences and to offer encouragement to others.

You do not need to have a clinical diagnosis, or have a GP referral, to join these meetings. If you feel you are not coping with managing to maintain your home the way you would like, and this is causing you distress or concern, this group is for you.

Karen Lock, our Domestic Fire Safety Officer, facilitates the group. Karen is a trained counsellor with previous experience as an Advocate facilitating peer support groups.

What to expect

• Introduction and some basic house rules.
• An understanding as to why people might exhibit hoarding behaviour.
• What has brought you to the group?
• A discussion about how the group can develop to support its members.

(For instance: we have previously invited guest speakers to a session, such as Paul Salkovskis Professor of Clinical Psychology Director of Oxford Institute of clinical psychology training and research, Jo Cooke from Hoarding Disorders UK – we have also had Mind along to provide a mindfulness session, explaining how to practice it and how it can help with mental health problems).

• Sharing our respective journeys (optional).
• What helps and maybe does not help in our journey of recovery.
• Exploring our beliefs and behaviours.

Meeting dates currently scheduled are:

Whether you’re a relatively new biker, returning to motorcycling, or a rider who has years of experience behind you, anyone is welcome at the Be a Better Biker workshops.

All bikers can expect help and support in taking their skills to the next level – whether you want to improve your riding skills or to get up to date with the latest training.

No matter if you ride a superbike, classic, or tourer, as long as you have a full licence, the Be a Better Biker workshops are right for you!

Here at Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, we are pleased to host a number of these workshops for motorcyclists and motorcycle clubs in Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

Each workshop costs £20, lasts about three hours, and is designed to give motorcyclists (full licence holders) an introduction to advanced riding.

Principles of advanced riding will be covered including:

• Manoeuvring
• Overtaking
• Cornering techniques
• On-road assessment with observers (approximately two hours)
• A review of the on-road sessions  (discussing lessons learnt)

At the end of the session each participant will receive a copy of the book “How to Be a Better Rider” published by IAM Roadsmart.

A Home Fire Safety Visit is a service we offer to people who may be at increased risk of, or from, fire.