THE HEART SHOPPING CENTRE’S DEDICATION TO HELPING HOARDERS

The Heart Shopping Centre pledges to support those suffering from hoarding disorder/behaviour by hosting the first-ever hoarding charity shop. The shop aims to raise awareness of the mental health implications of hoarding and support the fantastic work of the charity HoardingUK. 

Mandi Simms, local resident and Shop Manager, opened the store to help others. 

Hoarding disorder/behaviour is often overlooked as a mental health condition, but for many individuals, it can be a debilitating reality in their lives. Often born out of trauma, hoarding is a coping mechanism for many across the world. In the UK, 1 in 50 people are affected by hoarding. 2-5% of the population have been diagnosed with the condition, meaning 1.3 - 3 million individuals are affected. Many do not even acknowledge or think that they have a problem. Despite these large numbers, there is often still a stigma and lack of understanding or knowledge surrounding the subject of hoarding and the action of acquiring an excessive number of possessions. The Heart Shopping Centre, with the help of Mandi and her team, are on a mission to help change the stigma, creating more awareness, understanding and connection with the local community. 

Mandi is an ambassador to help bring this change, working hard to help many other people’s lives and change her own life, too. She has set up the first-ever HoardingUK charity shop where initially items were taken from her own collection aka an overwhelming hoard of ‘stuff’. Almost all the items in the shop are Mandi’s from her own home and several overflowing storage units, she has found that having conversations with the customers about the items and reasons why possessions have taken over her life, has allowed her to find acceptance in letting go of her collection. The items she is letting go of no longer help her to cope with life experiences. Mandi is hopeful that others struggling with hoarding issues will be inspired by her story and will find the courage to make positive changes in their own lives and to seek help and support. 

Mandi began her journey to acceptance and recovery when she attended a local hoarding support group set up and run by the local charity, Mary Francis Trust. When Mandi understood how hoarding affected her and those around her, she could accept it was a problem and seek help.

Inside HoardingUk, located in The Heart Shopping Centre Walton-on-Thames

Mark Middleton, the Centre Manager, has said, ‘We are privileged to be home to the first hoarding charity shop. Mandi is a valued member of the Walton-on-Thames community, and the work she is doing for hoarders across the UK is so important. We are honoured to be a part of her story.’ 

The Heart Shopping Centre is proud to play a part in changing the understanding of hoarding disorder and its debilitating effects by providing information, raising awareness, and talking about the help that is available.  

Visit The Heart Shopping Centre to support Mandi and her cause, find out more, share in her road of recovery, and help de-hoard her ‘piece by piece’. The collection includes many unusual, vintage, and beautiful items that all need owners to go on to have new adventures. Join in and be part of the journey—where there is hope and a desire to change, there is help. 

Mandi’s store is also home to a community piano, which people are encouraged to play, so let the wonderful sounds from the shop soundtrack your journey round the exciting emporium of unique treasures. 

About The Heart Shopping Centre 

Located in the centre of Walton-on-Thames, in the affluent county of Surrey, The Heart Shopping Centre offers a modern environment for shopping, dining and leisure. With 40 retailers offering a collection of products for everyone, you can expect to see popular high-street brands, including Next, Waterstones, New Look, Poundland and Clarks Shoes. Additionally, the Centre offers a range of family-friendly restaurants, including Nando’s, Carluccio’s PizzaExpress, Wagamama,  Five Guys and the recently opened Pizzeria No1; all restaurants offer alfresco dining in the warmer weather. The Centre isn’t short of leisure facilities either, thanks to recent new arrivals Gymfinity Kids and Rock Up Adventure, joined by Pure Gym and Walton Library. The Heart is fully accessible and benefits from a 700-space on-site car park with car valeting services. 

PRESS CONTACT

Zoe Ford

press@whymedia.com

020 3007 6002 

 

Press Contact

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Email: press@whymedia.com
Telephone: 020 3007 6002

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