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Presenter Jasmine Harman calls on expert assistance to help her mother and other chronic hoarders combat the condition that is ruining their lives and those of their families.

TV presenter Jasmine Harman's mum Vasoulla is a compulsive hoarder. This secretive and often shameful psychological condition is putting a big strain on the entire family, and they are not alone. Up to three million British families are affected, but little is known about this disorder, and support is practically non-existent.

In 2011, Jasmine tried to help her mum tackle the extreme clutter, which had taken over the entire family home and compelled her 13 year-old brother to move out. Despite a huge family effort, only a few rooms were tidied. Jasmine searched everywhere for solutions; none seemed forthcoming. But now Jasmine thinks there might be hope.

In this programme, Jasmine calls on expert assistance to help her mum and other chronic hoarders combat the condition that is ruining their lives and those of their families.

Alan lives in a property so heavily hoarded that his wife, Marion, has nowhere to sit or wash. The council have given him just two weeks to clean up his garden; if he fails, the couple face prosecution.

Richard's hoarding has turned his home into a health hazard. The stairs are so thick with rubbish and rotting food that even moving around is dangerous.

Vasoulla, Jasmine's mum, can only fully access one of her five bedrooms. Torn between wanting a better life for her and her son, and a deep emotional attachment to her belongings, she has nonetheless agreed to a total house clearance.

Each hoarder presents a unique challenge, but together they help Jasmine understand this complex and debilitating psychological disorder. Will hoarders ever willingly clear their homes? Do new techniques and treatments really offer hope? And can hoarders ever be cured? On an intimate, emotional and deeply personal journey, Jasmine finds out.

1 hour

Last on

Sat 14 Jul 2012 03:00

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TV blog: An incredible response

TV blog: An incredible response

鈥淚t was truly eye-opening for me to read so many tales of people in similar situations and to feel that by sharing our own stories we'd been able to reach out to others鈥



Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Dan Adamson
Executive Producer Dan Adamson
Executive Producer Andrew Mackenzie-Betty
Camera Operator Christian Watt
Producer Christian Watt
Director Christian Watt

Broadcasts

Lifting the stigma for mum

"Mum wanted to show other hoarders and their families that they were not lost causes鈥

"Mum wanted to show other hoarders and their families that they were not lost causes鈥

Read presenter Jasmine Harman's post on the 主播大秀 TV blog