This course gives frontline workers an understanding of hoarding disorder, why it happens and how it affects the people we support. It introduces trauma-informed, strengths-based ways of building trust, and practical approaches to assessing risk, working safely and involving other agencies.
Who is this course for?
- Frontline and operational staff supporting people who may be affected by hoarding
- Managers and support staff with direct contact with the people they support
- Housing, support and outreach workers who may enter or work around hoarded homes
What will you learn?
By the end of the course you will be able to:
- Explain what hoarding disorder is and why it happens
- Use trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches to build trust
- Recognise risk and work safely in hoarded environments
- Identify when and how to involve other agencies
- Set personal actions to put your learning into practice
The course will cover:
Module 1: Understanding Hoarding
- Myths and realities about hoarding
- What hoarding disorder is, how it is recognised and how common it is
- How hoarding differs from clutter, self-neglect, neurodivergence and other mental ill-health
- Why hoarding happens: trauma, loss and coping
- The impact on mental health, tenancy, fire safety and wellbeing
Module 2: Building the Relationship
- What trauma-informed care is and why it matters
- Trauma awareness, building safety and (re)building control
- Strengths-based practice, language, shame and pacing with small goals
- Respecting when someone is not ready
- Staying well when supporting people through distressing situations
Module 3: Working Safely Together
- Using the clutter rating scale collaboratively
- Empathetic risk assessment, fire risk and safe entry practice
- Pest-related hazards
- Multi-agency working: who to involve and when
- Supporting young people at risk
- Individual action planning
Throughout the day, delegates work with a single case study that develops across the three modules.
Please note
This course covers trauma, loss, mental health and risk, and some delegates may find parts of it difficult, particularly if it relates to their own experiences. It is important that delegates read this outline before the training so they are emotionally prepared for the day. Delegates can step out of the session at any time. There is no requirement to share personal experiences.
Duration
9.30am-4.00pm
Sessions are not recorded. Slides will be sent electronically.
Cost
Member rate: £145 per person + booking fees
Non-Member rate: £185 per person + booking fees
Bookings
Bookings can be made via Eventbrite.
If you are booking training places for 3 or more people an invoice can be raised, please email Lana.Newby@homelesslink.org.uk with the names and email addresses of the delegates you wish to book.
Additional member discount for multiple bookings
Book 5 or more places across our scheduled training programme and members will receive a 10% discount. Bookings must be placed at the same time and must be made via email: Lana.Newby@homelesslink.org.uk
Cancellation policy
Please find our cancellation policy for public online delivered training here
Bookings for larger groups
This course can be booked by staff teams of up to 20 people on dates that are convenient for your organisation. It can be delivered either through live interactive sessions online or in person.
Please contact James.Cuming@homelesslink.org.uk or telephone James on 07375 042 815 for more information.