Professional Hoarding Practitioner Training

Do you work with people with complex needs or issues related to hoarding or extreme disorganisation? 

Have you thought of working with people who exhibit hoarding behaviours but want some reassurance before giving it a go?

The aim of our one-day courses is to teach professional practitioners about how to make sustainable progress when working with clients, service users, tenants, patients and their support networks, as well as some of the challenges and stigmas you might face along the way and how to reduce the risk of them happening.

By the end of each day you'll have a better understanding of some of the complexities you’d be letting yourself in for by working with people who live with extreme amounts of clutter, and whether the it makes sense for you personally, or for your business.

Who attends?
Our interactive training empowers all the agencies affected by hoarding behaviours and associated issues, including:

• Environmental Health Officers
• Charity workers
• Professional Organisers
• Community Health Officers
• Housing professionals
• Care workers
• Social workers
• Fire & Rescue Service
• Specialist support workers
• Occupational Therapists
• Healthcare professionals

Trainees are encouraged to share their experiences with the group, to help everyone understand each other's perspectives and challenges, and the importance of close multi-agency collaboration.  

Our aim is to end up with a community of professional friends and colleagues who follow common best practices when working with people affected by hoarding behaviours, and support each other through what can be challenging and sometimes emotionally draining experiences.

Training groups are limited to a maximum of 14, so there should be plenty of opportunities to ask questions – please help us make the day as interactive as possible!

STAGE 1

Venues & Dates

Solihull
- Currently on hold due to COVID-19 (date to be confirmed)

Cost per person: £195 including refreshments & lunch 

Course content includes:

• Hoarding Disorder Overview
• Traits of people with hoarding behaviours
• Common causes
• Reasons for Saving
• Tactics and How to Develop Them with the Client
• Some Techniques
• Key Stakeholders
• Practical Challenges
• Is it right for you or your business? 
• Support for clients 
• Safeguarding ourselves

Pre-training requirements - No requirements

To book please contact Jo Cooke - jo@hoardingdisordersuk.org  

STAGE 2

Solihull

- Currently on hold due to COVID-19 (date to be confirmed)

Cost per person: £195 including lunch and refreshments

Course overview:

This one-day course expands on Clouds End’s/Hoarding Disorders UK’s/Rainbow Red’s Hoarding Awareness Training for Professional Practitioners Stage 1 training, and examines in more detail (through practical case study exercises) some of the proven techniques and tools used by professional organisers and agencies to help hoarders achieve a more functional and energising environment in which to live.

By the end of the day you will have an overview of current best practice processes and be able to use a number of risk assessment and measurement tools designed to empower you to help people affected by extreme cluttering and hoarding behaviours make a positive and sustainable difference to their homes and their lives.

Course content includes:

• Getting through the door (if you’re lucky)
• How to stay there and how to make progress
• Assessments, measuring progress & reporting
• Safety in the home - from a member of the Fire and Rescue Service
• Hoarding task forces, multi-agency groups & hoarding protocols
• Examples of extreme situations – eg. eviction, squalor (Environmental Health), animal hoarding
• Legal stuff - Mental Capacity Act 2007, Mental Health Act, Care Act 2014 & Advocacy
• The voice of a person with lived experiences of hoarding behaviours - with the opportunity to ask them questions

Pre-training requirements - It will make MUCH more sense if you've attended our Level 1 training!

To book please contact Jo Cooke - jo@hoardingdisordersuk.org 

STAGE 3

Currently on hold due to COVID-19 (date to be confirmed)

It's not about the stuff - it's about the people

Cost per person: £195 including lunch and refreshments

Course overview: 

• Introductions
• Stage 2 re-cap & reflections
• Fears, blocks & gaps
• Case study exercises
• Change
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Mindfulness
• Applying motivational interviewing and other techniques in the context of working with hoarding behaviours
• Therapies
• Lessons learned

Pre-training requirements:  Must have attended Stage 2 of our Professional Hoarding Practitioner training (and preferably Stage 1 too - otherwise it won't make as much sense) 

To book please contact Jo Cooke - jo@hoardingdisordersuk.org  

Testimonials

"Fabulous day at the Professional Hoarding Practitioner Training today, Stage 2 tomorrow.

Head buzzing with ideas, and heart is full knowing what I’m doing with my clients is not only right, but also the way forward. I love learning from others, and in this job there’s always something to learn. Rainbow Red UK, Clouds End CIC & Hoarding Disorders UK CIC know their stuff!"
Heather Tingle - Untangled by Tingle - March 2020

"What an absolute joy to learn from Heather, Jo and Cherry, three amazing ladies who care, support and give so much.

The training content was fabulous but more important was the infectious energy and enthusiasm with which the reality of the problem and practical solutions were shared. Hearing from Steph and Keith’s story, as former hoarders, were so moving they made me want to help others to find a way out. LOVED IT!!! Thank you".

Jo Cavalot, DOTTYMOW, Sheffield – September 2019

"Excellent training. Thoroughly enjoyed the level 1 course"

Paul Cooper - Hoarding Disorders UK

"All aspects of today’s training were exceptional. Certainly very though provoking. Gained additional knowledge and understanding. Sincere thanks to you all".  

Gail Tranter, Environmental Health, Newark & Sherwood DC - October 2018

I just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for a informative and useful training day today. I left the day feeling informed and keen to learn more. You are all very inspiring women".

Anon – July 2018

"The training left me wanting more even though I am still not sure that dealing with serious hoarding clients is for me. So, I would like to come to level 2 when you run it.  I also think that the work that the three of you do is nothing short of amazing. As I said to you yesterday, this seems more like a vocation. It was so interesting to hear some of your case studies and also very moving".
Mary D – July 2018

"Very well presented, very clear and easy to understand.  Trainers are very knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to Level 3 :-)"

"Really enjoyed this course, very empowering, thank you"

"Another brilliant day - motivating!"

About the Trainers

Heather, Jo and Cherry are all ILM^* and NCFE^* Accredited trainers.

*Training Accreditations:  

• ILM = The Institute of Leadership & Management
• NCFE = a registered educational charity

Between us we have over 20 years’ experience of working with people with extreme cluttering and hoarding problems, and regularly deliver training, coaching and advice to a variety of organisations including housing associations, mental health teams, charities, fire and rescue services and social care teams.  

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Heather Matuozzo founded the social enterprise Clouds End CIC in 2007, and is a professional trainer, declutterer, and activist for people who hoard. 

She co-founded the Pan London Hoarding Task Force and National Hoarding Task Force initiative, and runs three hoarder support groups in the West Midlands. 

Heather has taken part in BBC’s documentaries including Britain’s Biggest Hoarders; talks frequently on the radio; is Chair of the charity HoardingUK, and is an associate trainer for the mental health charity MIND.

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Jo Cooke is a Director of the Community Interest Company Hoarding Disorders UK, and also runs her own professional organising and decluttering business Tapioca Tidy.

She has been featured in The Guardian newspaper, and is the author of the book “Understanding Hoarding” which is fast becoming the “go to manual” for hoarders, their families and agencies that work with people exhibiting hoarding behaviours.

Jo runs three hoarding support groups (Bracknell, Newbury and Reading), and was a finalist in the Venus Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award 2018.

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Cherry Rudge of Rainbow Red is on a personal and professional development journey because her father had hoarding behaviours.  She was a Board Member of the Association of Professional Declutterers & Organisers (APDO), is a Member of the National Fire Chiefs Association’s Hoarding Working Group, and helped organised the first ever UK Hoarding Awareness Week in 2014.

Cherry is a Dementia Friend, a Trustee at an ADHD/Autism Support Group (Fastminds in Kingston-upon-Thames), and devised the Hoarding Ice-Breaker form to empower people whose health has been affected by disorganisation, clutter and hoarding to start a conversation with a GP or medical professional, so they can be signposted for appropriate treatment and practical support.

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Cherry and Heather delivered the UK’s first Hoarding Awareness Training for Professional Organisers in 2014.

Testimonials

PROFESSIONAL ORGANISING INDUSTRY TRAINER, INNOVATOR & CAMPAIGNER

TRAINING, WORKSHOPS, SEMINARS

Professional Hoarding Practitioner Training 

Stage 1

"I just wanted to say ‘Thank you’ for a informative and useful training day today. I left the day feeling informed and keen to learn more. You are all very inspiring women".

"The training left me wanting more even though I am still not sure that dealing with serious hoarding clients is for me. So, I would like to come to level 2 when you run it.  I also think that the work that the three of you do is nothing short of amazing. As I said to you yesterday, this seems more like a vocation. It was so interesting to hear some of your case studies and also very moving".

Stage 2

"Very well presented, very clear and easy to understand.  Trainers are very knowledgeable and thoroughly enjoyed it. Look forward to Level 3 :-)"

"Really enjoyed this course, very empowering, thank you"

"Another brilliant day - motivating!"

Stage 3

"Excellent sessions, well ran and very informative"

"As always, brilliant training.  I always take so much away from these sessions 

- thank you :-)"

"I have found the training very useful and fascinating.  I hope there are further opportunities/training to meet up"

"How to ask for help if clutter, disorganisation or hoarding is affecting your health" 

Workshop at APDO conference (March 2016) 

‘I recently attended Cherry’s workshop on “How to ask for health if clutter/disorganisation/hoarding is affecting your health” at the APDO conference and came away very inspired by Cherry’s presentation.  Cherry’s workshop was not only well researched and extremely informative. But Cherry also highlighted the crucial facts relating to the implications, impact and regulations surrounding hoarding disorder.  Cherry speaks with confidence and passion.  I came away with some excellent tips on how to help my clients. Cherry is very inspirational.  I would certain recommend attending this workshop. Excellent.‘

 Jo Cooke - Hoarding Disorders CIC

Hoarding Awareness Training for professional organisers &

Surrey Fire & Rescue Service, Reigate (28-Nov-2014)

"The 'Working with Hoarders' training day today in Reigate was brilliant!

Thank you both Cherry and Heather (and Andy and Vassoulla).

I feel my understanding of my work is improved whether I eventually work with serious hoarding or not."

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"Very insightful and I believe a must for everybody working with hoarders or contemplating to do so.  

What a brilliant day!   Thanks so much." 

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"The info day at Reigate was just great. So informative and interesting. 
I'm so glad I managed to get there."   

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"Thanks Heather and Cherry - found it very useful, not least as it really brought home what working with hoarders might involve."
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Decluttering workshop for Surrey Libraries, at  The Harlequin Theatre, Redhill

(18th May 2013)

“Thank you very much for the workshop on Saturday. I thought it went very well. Everybody has said on their evaluation forms that they would recommend the workshop to others.” 

 Kay Hadwick, Senior Team Officer, Health and Well being stream - Surrey Libraries

Workshop for Leatherhead Residents Association - October 2012
“A useful workshop – can’t wait to get home and start! Can see how I can tackle this long term issue and can see loads of benefits of me decluttering. Thanks so much!!!”,and “My head is spinning with all the good ideas and my reactions to the workshop. All very positive. You have inspired us to tackle a very tricky and sore subject, still giving us respect and hope for the future”.

Anonymous, Leatherhead`

Hoarding disorders self-help support groups

"Thank you so so much for presenting at our support group (Newbury) last night.  I know the group benefitted enormously from it and it was good to see such great interaction and the ease the group felt in terms of sharing their stories.  Brilliant - you have a real talent in drawing people out."

Jo Cooke - Hoarding Disorders CIC (April 2016)

Mentoring professional organisers

"Thank you so much Cherry for your time and counsel on all things hoarding this morning.

It gave me the strength and focus to understand what I have taken on and feel okay about integrating this into my working life.”

Sarah Macnaught, Professional Organiser, Rightsize Ltd

Listing on apdo-uk's website under Previous Post Holders

"Cherry Rudge was responsible for Marketing & Sponsorship from November 2011 until May 2014. She also held the post of Acting President from October 2013 to March 2014, and her contribution to the ongoing development of the Association in that time remains of enormous value to us."

Mention in NAPO News (USA equivalent to apdo-uk) - Sept/Oct 2012 (page 12)

Extract from article by Cassie Tillett, apdo-uk's President at the time:

"I keep saying to my creative and tireless colleague, Cherry Rudge, 'Please stop having good ideas! There aren't enough hours in the day to implement them all!'"

VOLUNTEER WORK with ADHD Support Groups

Email received from a member who participated in creative sessions for The Gnome Project at Hampton Court

Dear Cherry
You did a really excellent job organising the logistics and formalities during the Gnome Project at Hampton Court and giving us all a splendid experience.

I had a great and memorable time and I'm sure everyone else did too.

You should be justly proud of your efforts! Thank you!

x x x

DECLUTTERING & ORGANISING

Text messages from client with mental health problems

"I'm still soooo thrilled with my office!  When you think what it was like when you and I started and how far we've come in that two years! Thank you sooo much for making it possible!"

"A friend came round Sunday to play board games, and we were able to play it on the dining table cos it was clear! :-) Hooray"

Anonymous, Surrey

Testimonial from a client with ADHD
https://rainbowreduk.blogspot.com/2015/09/testimonial-from-client-with-adhd.html

Extract from email received from client offering a reference: 

The most obvious qualities that Cherry Rudge brings to decluttering and organising are energy, goodwill and good sense.

Less obvious – because always tactfully understated – are high intelligence, skilled project management and the true caring that informs everything she does.

What more can one ask for? Cherry has it all.

Anonymous, Hersham, Surrey

Note in card received from a client going through difficult times...

"Very many thanks for your patience and continued support through a difficult time.  

It would not be possible without kind friends/helpers like you."

Anonymous, Surrey

Text received from a client decluttering by herself over the Easter weekend

"Excellent! Love what u said ("Think of the contents of the garage as a huge meal;

eating it all at once could give you indigestion! Little and often is better and easier to digest!").

Explains it perfectly! OK i have now been to dump and charity shop, left stuff there and didn't bring anything back! Yippee!!

Anonymous, Surrey

After an initial consultation with a first-time client

"I wanted to thank you for your time and for being so thoughtful and considerate. Thank you for doing your job so well... I was dreading seeing you and how you would react. I immediately felt very comfortable with you.

You have an abundance of compassion... And excessively kind.

I liked everything you suggested and I’m sure ..No positive..! That together, we will put my house (and my head!) into shape..!! (Even writing that makes me feel good.).

I was flabbergasted as to the lengths you have gone to on my behalf and yet again another heartfelt and earnest ‘thank you’ for all your valiant and sterling efforts."
Anonymous, Surrey

Helping an elderly client with 57 years-worth of stuff

"I contacted Gina Lawrie and Cherry Rudge seeking help for my elderly mother to empty a large house that had been the family home for 57 years.  This was a substantial undertaking and needed to be completed by a fixed deadline.  

Despite the emergence of numerous unexpected obstacles, Gina and Cherry worked tirelessly to keep the project on track, delivering extra hours and complete dedication to reach a successful conclusion.  

Gina's sensitivity and professional background in psychology and social work enabled her to help my elderly mother process the difficult transitions, while Cherry's project management skills were essential for keeping the job on schedule and handling the tracking and the logistics. 

We could not have completed the house sale without Gina and Cherry's professional guidance and help which incidentally, also included a lot of grungy, hard work.  Their fees were completely offset by the sale of the household goods, and as a result, my family has been able to move on with our lives, knowing that this huge task is finally behind us.  Thank you Gina and Cherry!"

A.G.

Reducing the burden

"I felt the weight fall off my shoulders using your service,

as I was actually achieving something positive at last..." 

Anonymous, Staines

Extract from a client testimonial

"Despite disbelief at the beginning, I have come to know that there are such people as professional declutterers, and that they do really valuable work. I know too that they do more than just help people to declutter: they can provide balm for a troubled soul and help one back to a measure of self-esteem.  For that alone I salute Cherry and her colleagues.....

There have been real dividends already. For example, I am able to sit down to a meal for the first time in years (though I still sometimes forget to), and I am close to being able to empty the kitchen completely, ready for rewiring and replastering. Then I shall be able to install the bespoke kitchen units that were made for me years ago and have remained flat-packed in the sitting-room ever since. I can even look forward to the day when I shall be able to cook for friends. By that time, I can believe, the process of purging the Augean stables will have become positively cathartic...."
Click here for the full version

Anonymous, Hersham 

Hoarding can affect health

“I knew the fact that I needed to declutter my house and garage was affecting my health, and not knowing where to locate someone to help me had become very stressful. So finding Cherry was a blessing; her regular visits have given me the companionship and motivation I needed to get my home and confidence back.

With her help I am making great progress; I’m saving money by not buying duplicate items for my fridge or food cupboards, as I can see instantly when I already have them! The handyman and electrician she introduced me to for the urgently needed home improvements, have been reliable and provide excellent value for money. 

Cherry is my decluttering and health and safety conscience, and I thoroughly recommend her services.“

Elderly client, Hersham

Preparing house for sale

“As someone who gets very flustered by clutter, I was incredibly relieved when Cherry arrived to declutter my life and prepare my house in Kent for sale.

Without her practical help and advice, buyers would not have looked twice at the property’s potential, and it was ready to market far quicker than I could ever have achieved. This not only meant I was able to move house sooner, but getting rid of unwanted clutter meant I saved money on storage!”

Anonymous, Walton-on-Thames

Overwhelmed by paperwork

“I much prefer being outside in the fresh air getting exercise, than being stuck indoors with piles of papers and filing. So Cherry has been very helpful decluttering, filing, doing paperwork and generally creating order for me indoors while I’m cutting the grass outside.”

Elderly client with dementia, Effingham, Surrey