Stage 1 – Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training
Stage 2 – Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training
Stage 3 – Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training
Testimonials for Advanced Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training
“Thank you both and to the people with lived experience who gave consent to share their experiences for the best training experience I’ve had in a long time. The content was very well pitched, related to my area of work (safeguarding) with lots of practical tools and models to use in practice. Great to have a mix of relevant agencies on the training as well. I will ensure our policy, procedures, tools and practice reflect what we discussed in the training. Thanks again for a brilliant learning experience. I will be using it for my SWE CPD!” Karen Lloyd, Oldham Council – June 2021
“This was a very useful training session, not only for its content and the knowledge of Jo & Jo but to learn that there are numerous professional organising/decluttering companies out there and that there are options for individuals I come across during my duties in Environmental Health.” Mike Hale, Environmental Health – June 2021
“Brilliant training. I picked up loads of other information and advice to support me in my role.” Zoe Wardle, Safer Neighbourhoods, Barnsley MBC – June 2021
Further Testimonials for Virtual Hoarding Workshop – Advice for professionals about hoarding during COVID-19
“Excellent training – cannot wait to do your other training and provide support to hoarders in Northern Ireland. I am only starting out but want to specialise in hoarding eventually. As there is virtually no support in Northern Ireland, I will likely need your support when I am ready.” Catherine Hamilton-Cooper – March 2021
“I thought the training course was excellent – I learned so much (much more than I was expecting to) and thoroughly enjoyed the day’s session. Both Jo Cooke and Jo Cavalot were excellent trainers – their experience, skills, knowledge and warmth were obvious throughout the day and their delivery style was inclusive, encouraging and thoughtful. I am only at the start of my journey of understanding hoarding but I am so pleased I found this course as I feel it gave me the best start possible to my own learning and development. Thank you so much!” Nicola – February 2021
“I really enjoyed it!” Anon – January 2021
“I found the day very interesting and learned a lot. The empathy Jo, Jo and Paul have with people with hoarding behaviours came across well. Zoom is a not the easiest of media to use but I think it was very well done considering the limitations with online presentation. Excellent.” Gail Scattergood, Professional Organiser, The Space Angel – December 2020
“The training was extremely informative and thorough. Interaction from everyone was encouraged, and the trainers responded to all questions asked and shared everyone’s thoughts with good discussions coming out of this. The training dealt with sensitive issues throughout and showed care, respect and understanding of the topic. Thank you very much.” Angela Wilson, Safe and Well Technician, Royal Berkshire Fire & Rescue Service – November 2020
“Jo, Jo and Paul are clearly incredibly passionate about what they do, this and their in-depth knowledge on the subject, made the course truly engaged. I have come away with a much greater understanding of hoarding and feel confident I will be able to support people better in the future.” Steffi, Shropshire Fire & Rescue Service – October 2020
“As an adult child of a hoarder I have found this training immensely helpful. You have given both the disorder and those who are challenged by it the respect which they deserve. I have gained a much deeper understanding of hoarding which has helped me to both mange my expectations and feel much less overwhelmed. Your pointing out that it takes a village to help in hoarding situations has lessened the responsibility I feel, enabling me to relate better, and I have already started to notice the village which is already present and working to support my family. Thank you so much for this wonderful course.” Kate W. – Sept 2020
“Fantastic training, loved the pacing, feel this has really improved my knowledge of the subject. Speakers all very knowledgeable and respectful, and clearly very passionate about supporting people. Brilliant resources and reading list.” Liz Burr, Mind – August 2020
“Just finished the training on hoarding awareness and it was brilliant. Really interesting, thought provoking and informative. Thank you. I’d recommend this training to anyone interested in hoarding behaviour.” Carol Barwell, Devon County Council – July 2020
“Many thanks to Hoarding Disorders UK CIC for an insightful Zoom workshop “Advice for professionals about hoarding during COVID-19″ – Highly recommend any of our professional followers follow them as they will be running more!” Daisies Decluttering, Cleaning and Support – June 2020
Testimonials for General Hoarding Awareness Training
“Lots of pertinent & valuable content. Lived up to my expectations” Gary, Greenfields Community Housing, Essex – February 2020
“Inspiring. Had my complete attention, very interesting and found the do’s and don’ts very helpful.” Anon, Stroud District Council – January 2020
“Very informative both on a professional & personal levels. Trainers worked well together. Great case studies & loads to take back to the team. Thank you.” Anon, Making Spaces – December 2019
“A first rate course that was taught with skill & great breadth of knowledge.” Anon – West Berkshire Council – November 2019
“Very useful & informative training course. I will definitely be using this training in practice.” Alison, Plus Dane Housing – November 2019
“Best course I’ve been on in ages!” Anon, States of Guernsey – October 2019
“Great training, I will look at the language skills. The way we talk is important.” Anon, Woking Borough Council – October 2019
“Very informative course, very interactive, great trainers and excellent content. Many thanks!” Karen, Woking Borough Council – October 2019
“A very enjoyable course delivered by Jo & Paul who have extensive knowledge and info on the subject of hoarding. All knowledge gained today will help me hugely in my work & personal life.”Gwynedd Council – September 2019
“Thoroughly enjoyable training day, it was very useful to learn about the depth of hoarding, its triggers and effects. Also, very positive to learn about the steps to take to support someone, reinforce that it’s long term support and that change can be achieved.” Gwynedd Council – June 2019
“For an individual with no knowledge of hoarding, this training has been an eye opener. It has been a very interesting and easy-to-understand training course. United Welsh – May 2019
“I found the course trainers to be really good at communicating the content without it being boring. Really interesting, fun, very thought provoking and has given me food for thought.” Wokingham Borough Council – May 2019
“Holistic brilliance that felt more like an interdisciplinary team meeting” Healthy Communities Manager, Public Health, Swindon Borough Council, April 2019
“I would (and have already) recommended the training to a number of people – colleagues working in social prescribing, social work, housing and environmental health but also in the voluntary and community sector. After the training, and thanks to the top tips and do’s and don’ts, it really felt that if we join up and take our time there is something we can all do to tackle something we worry about.” Swindon Borough Council, April 2019
“The trainers were very knowledgeable and approachable”,”The training will certainly give me more confidence when dealing with sensitive hoarding issues.” Slough Borough Council
“Very interesting training and will be useful.” Silva Homes
A testimonial for Jo Cavalot – Director of HDUK
Over the last few months Jo has been working with a service user of mine, a gentleman who has historically been difficult to engage, support and make progress with. This gentleman was a hoarder and lived in a property which had not had refurbishment for many many years, his home was heavily cluttered and as a result presented significant risk to his health. A previous clean and clear had been unsuccessful and had disengaged him further as he felt that the cleaners had stolen his possessions.
Through hours of work Jo managed to build a strong and trusting relationship with this gentleman and became the only person that his gentleman happily engaged with; he used to actually look forward to her visits and allowed her to remove and organise his entire house. Jo was incredibly patient, kind and encouraging, she made him feel respected and valued. Through hours of work Jo managed to get the property to a state where essential maintenance could be completed and ultimately changed this mans life. Jo went above and beyond in her role as she recognised how much he trusted her and as a result supported him with liaising with other professionals, organising appointments and also food provision.
Jo made sure that she took the time to listen to this gentleman and ensured that all work was person centred, Jo has been the first person for many years who has managed to engage this man to a point where significant progress could be made. I know this gentleman hugely values her contribution towards his life and we as a local authority have been very grateful for her hard work, dedication and commitment to the role.
Rachel, social worker, Sheffield City Council.
A testimonial for one of our support workers – Paul Cooper
“I would like to say what excellent work you have done with my resident. Over the past 6 years Mr k has been very reluctant to engage with anyone as he believes people steal his belongings that are important to him. You went in with a very gentle approach and found a common ground gaining his trust.
I can honestly say I have never seen Mr K engage with anyone like that in the 6 years I have known him, he normally shouts a lot at people but with your calm approach this has stopped.
You are the first person Mr K has allowed to remove anything from his home and what a difference it has made. Not only is Mr K’s house clearer, he can now sleep in his bed and cook in his kitchen but he wants to keep it up so he does not disappoint you.
Thank you for your patience and kindness with Mr K, you have made a difference to his life.” Dale Evans, Housing Services Manager, Sovereign – May 2018
“I recently visited a level 4 hoarder within my line of work who would not accept help of any kind. I had no training in dealing with the disorder, so I had a strong feeling I could take a better approach, I just didn’t know where I was going wrong.
“I turned to Hoarding Disorders UK for help and they were brilliant. They sent me lots of useful reading and I talked through the case with Jo Cooke. She gave me lots of tips that meant the next visit with the hoarder was completely different. The hoarder responded much more positively and they agreed to let me refer them on to other agencies that could help, just by using different language whilst I was there.
“I wish there were more charities like Hoarding Disorders UK, as there is no one near my area who people with the disorder can turn to for effective help. They are invaluable.” Joanne Brenkley – June 2016
We provided a four week training programme for the Institute of Mental Health, Singapore which was greatly acknowledged by Sng Siok Yen Melissa. Click here to read this letter. March 2016
“Recently I spent some time with Jo Cooke and Amanda Peet as I am on a scholarship from Australia to research housing issues in the UK. Jo & Amanda are to be congratulated on their dedication and compassion to assist and support people with hoarding disorders. Using their client centred approach to declutter peoples lives is bringing about positive results to a very complex issue. I have gained an improved awareness and positive understanding of hoarding issues to be able to work alongside my clients as they gain control of their lives.” Julie Mckie, Senior Tenancy Support Worker, Anglicarewa, Western Australia – May 2015
“I managed to get my flat into a bit of a state and the thought of where to start tidying, decluttering and clearing up was too much to think about and I didn’t really know where to start. I was too embarrassed to let anyone in, and quite often ignored the door bell. My housing association however mentioned that I could get some help to get back on track.
“I was nervous at first about letting Amanda and Jo in and did cancel them a few times. I thought they were going to turn up in a van, wave bin bags at me and tell me the way things should be. They assured me that they were very discreet, would not judge me or tell me off but would help me get things back on track, show me some useful household tips and help put a routine back in place so that things wouldn’t slip back again.
“I am so grateful to Jo and Amanda, and my housing association too. I can cope with the flat much better now and know not to try and do a big tidy up every now and again – best to do it little and often and to tidy up regularly. I have now let the workmen in to do the necessary repairs and upgrades and my flat doesn’t any longer feel like somewhere to sleep – it feels like my home again.” Anonymous – March 2015
“I was impressed with the holistic approach adopted by Jo and Amanda from Hoarding Disorders UK. who carried out their roles in a very professional manner. They took into account not only the person who hoards but the impact this behaviour has upon the family as a whole, and as such their plan of work incorporated each family member. They managed to get ‘alongside’ family members so that whilst working, primarily with the person who hoards, the children of the family could learn strategies about how to take some kind of control within otherwise overwhelming living circumstances.” Annie Moore, Social Worker, Disabled Children’s Team, West Berkshire – January 2015
“With your help I was able to regain a little control over my house, to see that it was a problem, but one with a solution, I was happy to sleep in my own bed & in my bedroom, to start to feel some inner peace in my home, to look forward to do more, above all you helped me to look at this situation objectively. I will never be able to repay you (Jo) & Amanda all the help & support you gave me.” Paula, Wokingham – October 2013