Virtual Hoarding Awareness Training – Stage 2

Purpose:-

This Stage 2 hoarding awareness training is intended to gain further insight into hoarding behaviours and examine further tools, techniques and assessments to help those affected by hoarding behaviour, chronic disorganisation and extreme clutter.

Looking at neurodiversity, self-neglect, safeguarding and legislation as well as a more in-depth view of protocols and policies from a person-centred approach, we will see how each hoarding case is unique and the support that can be provided will be bespoke to the challenges of an individual situation. You will learn even more about this, along with the complexities of hoarding, during this training.

NB: You need to have completed Stage 1 training to attend, or evidence that you have knowledge of the content covered in Stage 1. Learning outcomes for Stage 1 are available on request. Please email info@hoardingdisordersuk.org

Content:-

Session 1 – Further understanding

• Summary of Stage 1 training
• Getting through the door
• Barriers and blocks
• Self-neglect
• Spiral of change
• Executive functions and neurodiversity

Session 2 – Hoarding scenarios and legislation

• Fire safety
• Infestations and squalor
• Wet hoarding
• Animal hoarding
• Child protection
• Safeguarding
• Legislation

Session 3 – Tools and techniques

• Protocols and policies
• Monitoring and measuring
• Motivation
• Motivational Interviewing
• Therapeutic Input
• Recommended reading

Who is this for:-

• Practitioners, staff and volunteers on the front-line
• Family/friends who support those who have hoarding behaviours

Duration:-

1.5 hours x 3 sessions on one-day

Session Times:-

• Session 1 – 9.00am to 10.30am
• Session 2 – 11.00am to 12.30pm
• Session 3 – 1.30pm to 3.00pm

This training is accredited by The CPD Standards Office  – CPD Provider: 22412

NB: This and other workshops are available to be booked in-house at your organisation for up to 15 people to suit your requirements. Contact us at info@hoardingdisordersuk.org to enquire.

Hoarding Disorders UK is a not for profit Community Interest Company. Our aim is to provide practical hands-on support as well as expert advice to those affected by the varying levels of hoarding disorder, ranging from the chronically disorganised to those with extreme clutter.

We support both the individuals and their families throughout this process which helps them to reconnect with each other as a family unit and the wider local community.

We have a responsible and unique person-centered approach using professional decluttering, life skills and home organisational skills. We provide an ethical, sustainable and quality approach throughout our work which includes the use of our 8-step plan, support groups, coaching, research, education and training.

We also work collaboratively with other professionals and organisations in contact with these individuals and families.

Jo Cooke

is a Director of ‘Hoarding Disorders UK – Community Interest Company’ and also runs her own business ‘Tapioca Tidy’. She is also the author of the book “Understanding Hoarding” which is fast becoming the “go to manual” for people affected, their families and agencies that work with people exhibiting hoarding behaviours.

She has appeared in the Guardian newspaper, Cosmopolitan magazine and other publications. She has also appeared a number of times on BBC Radio and in a BBC documentary ‘Inside Out’. Jo was selected as a finalist for the Thames Valley Venus Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

Jo is a professional declutterer and organiser who has a very professional, calm, non-judgemental and “makes sense” approach to helping you reclaim your space. Jo previously had a varied career in charitable organisations, human resources, project management, bookkeeping and the civil service, but realised she had a flair for decluttering and organising when she had to sell the family home that her father had lived in for more than 30 years. She has a wealth of experience and skills required when working in cluttered environments and takes a responsible and empathetic approach to the needs of people she works with.

Jo co-facilitates three hoarding support groups in Bracknell, on the telephone and on-line.

You can contact Jo at jo@hoardingdisordersuk.org

Sarah Martin

Sarah has been co-director of Hoarding Disorders South CIC alongside Amber since 2023. Together, they provide support for individuals experiencing chronic disorganisation and hoarding behaviours across Reading, Wokingham, West Berkshire, and surrounding areas. She also co delivers training alongside other members of the team.

With a background in social work, Sarah has worked in various related roles since qualifying in 1994. Over the course of her career, she has worked closely with individuals in their homes and understands that there are many complex and personal factors that can contribute to challenging living environments.

Until recently, Sarah spent several years as part of a social prescribing team. In that role, she focused on giving people the time and space to reflect on what mattered to them, helping them connect with services and resources to support their wellbeing. She is passionate about empowering individuals to set and reach their own goals, offering motivation and support while acknowledging that change can be challenging.

Sarah has also worked with a local authority to develop a protocol and pathway for supporting individuals with hoarding behaviours. This project highlighted a critical gap in available services for those in need of tailored, hands-on support and reinforced her commitment to assisting people through various levels of need—whether providing short term help, creating organisational systems, or offering ongoing support where longer term input was required.

With a person-centred, compassionate approach, Sarah treats each individual with the respect and kindness she believes everyone deserves.