HEAT was founded in 2012 and uses a collaborative approach to help people struggling with clutter and hoarding disorder in Greater Victoria. We also refer people outside Greater Victoria to local resources.
HEAT includes:
fire departments
Bylaw enforcement
Island Health services
SPCA
concerned non-profit groups
for-profit landlords
volunteers
de-cluttering services
HEAT recognizes that hoarding exists in our communities and that it represents a significant health and safety risk for the hoarder, first responders and the community at large.
Our goals:
Safety is the first priority
Finding helpful resources for clients with a hoarding problem
Maintaining ongoing support
Keeping people in their homes
To help you assess the problem and get assistance
HEAT Peer Support Group
We are a non-judgmental peer group, in a supportive environment, where we share struggles, strategies and victories with other community members. The group will be facilitated by peers with lived experience, who will share tips and tools for dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of a cluttered home. The group will also receive additional support from clinical staff of Island Health (members of HEAT) when appropriate.
If you are affected by clutter, please come and attend this support group. We currently meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Royal Jubilee Hospital (Eric Martin Pavilion) at 3 p.m.
As of January 15, 2020, we will also meet on on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 1125 Pembroke Street.
Upcoming 2020 Meeting Dates:
Royal Jubilee Hospital
The 2nd and 4th Wednesdays at EMP/RJH meeting room, 3 - 4:30 p.m.
Location:
Royal Jubilee Hospital
Eric Martin Pavilion,
2334 Trent Street, Room 609
Ask for room directions at reception on the sixth floor.
HEAT also offers online support through the Vancouver Island Hoarding and Clutter Support Facebook group. After answering a few questions, potential members will be accepted and can both give and receive personalized support. This system will work similar to the in-person peer support offered within the Victoria area but be accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This will allow members of Island Health's more rural communities to access necessary support. This project was spearheaded and will be continually monitored by Megan Sabell and Murray Anderson, both of who have extensive experience helping those with hoarding behaviour.
This group is available for people with a hoarding condition and those who support them. Please be sure to read the following code of conduct before joining.
Code of Conduct:
Be respectful at all times; do not be abusive, judgmental or use foul language.
Be supportive; try not to personalize feedback.
Respect people’s privacy.
No buying, selling, trading or promoting commercial businesses.
If in doubt or if you have concerns, contact an Administrator.
Please limit content to clutter related topics only.
Hoarding Disorder Webinar
Presented by Dr. Eric Ochs of Island Health for Education and Training to the Residential Tenancy Branch of BC. This webinar is a clinically focussed introduction to the topic of HD, and how the Hoarding Education and Action Team (HEAT serves the Island Health region) responds to requests for service.
Are you ready for an exciting challenge that could help shape the future of health care? Island Health is looking for 100 people to participate in a 24-hour design sprint that aims to generate fresh ideas to improve health care.
The Winter 2020 issue of Island Health magazine encourages readers to live their healthiest life. Read features on how to keep your resolutions; re-thinking “diets” and some delicious soup recipes. Also included in this issue are articles about the stigma of mental illness and an Island Health Research project on dementia.
Island Health is advising that, despite significant effort to fill shifts, there is a temporary shortage of registered nurses and physicians over the holiday season resulting in a temporary service reduction at the Port Alice Health Centre.
