HoardingUK

Professional Support and Advocacy by HoardingUK

Established in 2008, HoardingUK is the only national charity in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to supporting individuals impacted by hoarding behavior. Operating as a not-for-profit organization, the charity provides a comprehensive framework of support designed to promote choice and control for those living with this complex mental health condition. Their operational model addresses the needs of both the individuals experiencing hoarding and the professionals or family members supporting them. The organization offers national free and confidential helpline services, providing immediate assistance and triage for those in crisis or seeking guidance.

The charity’s service portfolio includes specialized advocacy programs, individual remote advocacy, and an in-home support initiative known as the Healthy Homes Program. To facilitate communication between individuals and healthcare providers, they offer clinical tools such as the Hoarding Ice-Breaker Form and the Clutter Index Rating. These resources are designed to help GPs and other professionals better understand a participant's symptoms and wellbeing. Furthermore, HoardingUK hosts various peer and professionally led support groups in virtual settings, creating safe spaces for participants to share experiences and reduce social isolation.

In addition to direct support, HoardingUK is a central hub for professional development and academic inquiry. They deliver structured training courses, including full-day and half-day sessions on topics such as Motivational Interviewing and Choice & Control in Hoarding Behaviour. The organization actively promotes and facilitates hoarding research, collaborating on studies involving autism, beliefs about possessions, and psychological insights. Through their National Hoarding Conference and various awareness-raising activities, the charity works to integrate legal, health, and safety considerations into the standard care model for hoarding behavior across the UK.