If you are in need of immediate assistance due to a mental health crisis, please call the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888. HEAT is a team run by a supportive and non-judgmental group of professionals. HEAT was founded in 2012 and uses a collaborative approach to help people struggling with excess clutter and hoarding disorder in Greater Victoria. We also provide virtual support to p
eople outside Greater Victoria. Our services are completely voluntary and therefore require the consent and participation of the individual struggling with excess clutter or hoarding behaviours. HEAT includes:
• Island Health services
• Fire departments
• Environmental Health & Safety
• SPCA
• Concerned non-profit groups
• Volunteer services as available
• Decluttering services provided by private companies are at a fee
set by the company
OUR GOALS:
1. We work collaboratively with the
individual and appropriate professionals, such as fire prevention
officers, to address immediate health and safety concerns.
2. Reducing the harm associated with excess clutter & hoarding disorder.
3. Supporting clients in learning and applying decluttering strategies.
4. Connecting clients with local resources and supports.
5. HEAT Online Peer Support:
HEAT hosts an online peer support group over Microsoft Teams. These meetings are free to attend, however you will be required to register by emailing heat@islandhealth.ca After answering a few screening questions to assure the group is appropriate and to protect the purpose and participants of the group, potential members will be accepted and can both give and receive peer support. These meetings are held at 3 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month. For more information, please leave a message on the HEAT Hotline at 250-361-0227 or email heat@islandhealth.ca and a member of the team will return your call. This group is available for people struggling with clutter or hoarding behaviours. Unfortunately, we do not have regular groups to support families and other involved individuals at this time. Please be sure to read the following code of conduct before joining. If you are requiring support for any mental health or substance use concern other than clutter or hoarding behaviours, please contact the CARES clinic at 250-519-3485 to speak with an intake clinician about appropriate supports available to you.
