This week is Hoarding Awareness Week and what better time to launch our Hoarding Resources web page!
APDO has many members who work with people who have hoarding tendencies. This is shown under specialisms on their profiles and we are keen to support initiatives to raise awareness of this ever growing condition.
The resources on this page have been provided for you to visit and use where appropriate.
Hoarding Awareness Week
Running from 12 – 16 May 2025 Hoarding Awareness Week aims to highlight awareness for hoarding disorder and behaviour which is crucial because it helps break down stigma, promotes empathy, and encourages individuals to seek support without fear of judgment.
Hoarding is often misunderstood as mere messiness or laziness, when in reality, it is a complex mental health condition that can severely impact a person’s well-being, relationships, and safety.
Increased awareness can lead to better access to resources, earlier intervention, and more effective treatment options. It also educates the wider community on how to approach loved ones struggling with hoarding in a compassionate and supportive way, fostering understanding and collective action to improve lives.
APDO have a number of members who work with Hoarding Behaviours and you can find a professional near to you using the find an organiser section here.
During Hoarding Awareness Week APDO will be sharing stories and information on our socials.
Conference Workshop - Beyond the Shame
At the APDO 2022 Annual Conference, we provided a panel discussion called Beyond The Shame – A Clients Perspective. The discussion was lead by Lesley Josel, an American professional organiser who has worked with hoarding behaviour, along with Professional Organiser, Marie Bateson, Hoarding Disorders UK Director Jo Cavalot and Yvonne, a client of Marie. This was an open and honest discussion understanding hoarding from the hoarders perspective.
Bitesize Course on Hoarding Behaviour
APDO provides a pre-recorded course called Introduction to Hoarding Behaviour. It's intended for those who are working as a Professional Organiser, or setting up a professional organising business, are considering working with people who hoard or have recently started working in hoarded homes and have a desire to start the training process.
This is a recorded training session that is under one hour and can be watched in your own time.
Open Letter To Highlight Hoarding Behaviours
Professor Nick Neave. Director of the Hoarding Research Group and Chair of the UK Hoarding Partnership (Northumbria University Newcastle) in collaboration with the steering group of the UKHP produced an open letter to be sent to various important people and organisations.
This is to highlight the growing problems of hoarding behaviours and the need for national joined-up action to help deal with these issues. The letter was circulated on Friday 9th of May with an embargo (for the Media outlets) to begin on May 12th – the start of 2025 hoarding awareness week.
Of All The Things – A Short Animation Film
APDO are proud to support the creation of this short animated film Of All The Things.
‘Of All the Things’ is a 2D animated short film, partly supported by the BFI NETWORK through National Lottery funding, that delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship amidst the challenges of hoarding disorder. Offering a fresh perspective, the film emphasises the journey towards understanding and connection while aiming to raise awareness and combat the stigma surrounding this often misunderstood condition.
The film was completed and launched on Thursday 15th May 2025. You can keep up to date with details and where you can see the film on their website.
SPACE Risk Assessment Tool
We’re proud to partner with Hoarding Disorders UK to help raise awareness and launch an innovative risk assessment tool: SPACE (Safety Priority Assessment for Cluttered Environments).
There are many forms of risk assessment used by those who work with people who hoard and/or are chronically disorganised, but after using various risk assessments, on initial visits in very full homes, we found necessary areas to assess were missing.
Our members Jo Cooke and Marie Bateson, two very experienced Hoarding Practitioners, have developed this new risk assessment called SPACE, available to anyone who needs it.
Click below to download the form and for guidance on how this tool can be used.