What is the program?

Buried in Treasures is a FREE 15-week group program, providing in-depth training and support for people with hoarding tendencies.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, this is an online support program, with optional one-on-one home visits (where possible) with a care worker to help you practically implement the skills you learn.

Who is it for?

To be eligible for CHSP, you must be aged 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people), or 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless.

You do not need to be an existing Catholic Healthcare client to attend.

You do not need to be formally assessed as having hoarding disorder in order to attend

Our staff will assist you with registering for Government funding under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), if you haven’t done so already

What does it include?

Education: Understanding hoarding and why people collect

Practical Strategies: Practical techniques to resist the temptation to collect

OPTIONAL One-on-One Home Visits: Care Worker will help you apply the skills in-person (Please remind people that this option will be dependent on where they live, due to staffing capacity)

Support Network: In a respectful and private group setting, meet others who truly understand the experience

FREE copy of the book on which the program is based: Buried in Treasures: Help for Compulsive Acquiring, Saving, and Hoarding by David Tolin, Gail Steketee and Randy Frost

What do I need in order to participate?

You will need access to a computer, tablet, phone or other device, and a reliable internet connection. If you need help with accessing a device, we can help. Our team will discuss options with you. [Refer request to Amanda Peterson]

 A few days prior to the program start date, you will receive an email with a link to access the online sessions. Please keep an eye out in your inbox.