Red Squirrel OT CIC chosen by Co-op as a Local Community Fund
Red Squirrel OT CIC, a local community organisation supporting people affected by hoarding disorder, has been chosen to participate in the @coopuk Local Community Fund - a recognition given to only a handful of community projects nationwide from over 6,500 applications.
The funding raised through Co-op members will go directly towards running Buried in Treasures - a 16-week, evidence-based programme designed to support people who struggle with hoarding behaviours. The course helps participants build awareness, develop practical strategies, and improve mental wellbeing in a compassionate, non-judgmental setting.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have been chosen by the Co-op,” said Brigitte Hoare, Founder of Red Squirrel. “We’d love our local community, and anyone who’s benefited from or believes in our work, to get behind us by selecting Red Squirrel as their cause in the Co-op app.
"The money raised will fund a life-changing programme for people who often find it incredibly hard to get the right support.”
Understanding Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding is recognised as a mental health condition that affects an estimated 1.2 million people in the UK, that’s around 2–5% of the population. It’s often linked with anxiety, trauma, depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Locally, Red Squirrel has seen a significant rise in referrals, with many people living in isolation and distress due to stigma or a lack of specialised support.
Rather than focusing on “clearing” or removing possessions, Red Squirrel takes a person-centred and compassionate approach, helping people to understand the root causes of their hoarding, build emotional resilience, and learn skills to manage their homes and lives in sustainable ways.
How to Support
To support Red Squirrel through the Co-op Local Community Fund:
- Download the Co-op app https://coopapp.onelink.me/ftOk/2ad8vdh6
- Select Red Squirrel as your chosen cause
Your everyday shopping could help change lives in our community.