The OSAB Gab

In this episode, we hear directly from Lesley and James, two people from Oldham who generously share their lived experiences of hoarding. Their personal stories bring the realities of hoarding behaviours to life in a way that only lived experience can, offering insight and a deeper understanding that goes far beyond theory. Representatives from partner agencies across Oldham reflect on the powerful themes raised by Lesley and James. They explore why it’s so important to understand a person’s life history and circumstances, and how these may connect to their hoarding behaviours. The episode highlights the importance of practical, compassionate approaches such as using the same language the individual uses to describe their belongings and working alongside them at their own pace to build trust, relationships, and long‑term progress. This is an honest, insightful conversation that shows how lived experience can shape better practice, deepen understanding, and remind us of the humanity at the heart of hoarding support.Associated Resources: OSAB & OSCP Responding to Hoarding Guidance.OSAB Trauma Informed Practice Guidance for Practitioners.OSAB Tiered Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) Protocol.Oldham Hoarding Peer Support Group.

Representatives from partner agencies in Oldham come together to explain the OSAB Tiered Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) Protocol including how the Team Around the Adult (TAA) is fundamental to each risk level. This episode can be an introduction to the Protocol or a 'refresher' for practitioners.Associated Resources: OSAB Tiered Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) Protocol.OSAB TRAM Protocol Flowchart.OSAB Professional Curiosity Guidance.OSAB Lead Professional Guidance.OSAB Guidance Where the Individual or Family are Not Engaging with Services.Team Around the Adult Guidance and Templates Pack.OSAB Trauma Informed Practice Guidance for Practitioners.OSAB 7-Minute Briefing: Record Keeping and Information Sharing.OSAB Data Sharing Agreement.OSAB Escalation and Resolution Conversations Protocol.

Representatives from partner agencies in Oldham come together to share their experiences of chairing multi-agency safeguarding meetings including Team Around the Adult (TAA) meetings. The group offer their advice, hints and tips about taking on this important role.Associated resources:Tiered Risk Assessment and Management (TRAM) ProtocolTeam Around the Adult Guidance and Templates PackLead Professional GuidanceMulti-Agency Adult Safeguarding Policy and Procedures

Listen to the first episode of The OSAB Gab, the Oldham Safeguarding Adults Board podcast, with Norma Howes. Norma has contributed to our understanding of the impact of trauma at local, national and international levels and has taken the time to share her thoughts on what Practice Informed by Trauma looks like.Associated resources:OSAB Trauma Informed Practice Guidance for practitioners: https://www.osab.org.uk/cms-data/depot/hipwig/OSAB-Trauma-Informed-Practice-Guidance-for-Practitioners.pdf