Understanding Hoarding with Compassion: Join Our Specialist Workshop This Hoarding Awareness Week
- nicolae31
- Mar 25
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 26
Hoarding is often misunderstood.
Too frequently, it’s reduced to stereotypes or judged at surface level- when in reality, hoarding behaviour is deeply complex, personal, and often rooted in emotional and psychological need. This Hoarding Awareness Week, we’re inviting professionals and families to look beyond the clutter and develop a more compassionate, informed understanding.
Specialist Occupational Therapist Brigitte Hoare, founder of Red Squirrel OT CIC, is hosting two live online workshops designed to transform how we think about and support people experiencing hoarding difficulties.
With over 20 years’ experience in adult mental health services, Brigitte brings both clinical expertise and a deeply human approach to her work.
“Hoarding disorder is often heavily stigmatised. People are judged rather than supported. We need to understand the behaviour behind hoarding and respond with compassion, not criticism.”
Why This Workshop Matters
Hoarding Awareness Week this May comes at a pivotal time. With growing national attention — including the first-ever UK Parliament debate on hoarding disorder — there is increasing recognition that consistent, compassionate support across services is urgently needed.
This workshop is a step towards that change.
It’s designed not just to inform, but to shift perspectives, helping attendees understand the person behind the behaviour and develop practical, respectful ways to offer support.
What You’ll Learn
Across this interactive session, you’ll explore:
The realities and prevalence of hoarding
How occupational therapy approaches can support change
Practical tools and strategies you can use immediately
How to balance safety with dignity and personal choice
A powerful lived experience perspective
At its heart, this workshop emphasises one essential principle: Taking the time to understand each individual’s story.
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
Housing professionals
Mental health practitioners
Social care staff
Safeguarding teams
Families and carers supporting someone with hoarding behaviours
Whether you’re working on the front line or supporting a loved one, you’ll leave with greater confidence, insight, and practical tools.
Workshop Details
Dates: Tuesday 12th May | 9:30am – 11:30am🗓 Wednesday 13th May | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Delivered online, with Certificate of attendance included
Early Bird Offer – Limited Time
An early bird discount is available until 13th April, after this, tickets will be £45.
If you’ve been meaning to deepen your understanding or improve your practice, now is the time to act.
Book your place today via Eventbrite
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