HOW TO SUPPORT
National Hoarding Awareness Week

A collaborative effort to raise awareness

YOUR GOALS

Three things to consider when planning how to support National Hoarding Awareness Week:
  • Why is it important to raise awareness from your perspective? 
  • What impact do you want your involvement to have on your workforce, local community or partner organisations? 
  • Who would you like to educate? And how could you do it? 

SHOUT ABOUT IT

One of the easiest and most effective ways to show support is by sharing information online and within your organisation. In today’s world, everyone is constantly scrolling through social media or checking emails, which makes these channels perfect for spreading the word and starting conversations.
  • Post our campaign messages, graphics, or videos on platforms like Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

  • Use hashtags like #HoardingAwarenessWeek2026 and #NationalGuidelinesForHoardingSupport to connect with the wider conversation.

  • Share stories, discussion prompts or questions such as: “What does good support for hoarding look like to you?” to encourage engagement.

  • Include a brief note or banner in internal newsletters or intranet pages.

  • Share why the campaign matters to you — personal reflections often encourage others to engage.

  • Highlight practical ways your organisation or community can support people living with hoarding disorder.

CONTACT LOCAL MEDIA

Engaging local and national media is a powerful way to transform societal understanding and reach people who might not otherwise see the conversation. If you have connections with local media, now is the perfect time to use them.

1. Connect with Local Radio

  • See if you can arrange a slot on a local radio station to talk about hoarding disorder and how your organisation supports individuals with hoarding behaviour.

  • Share practical insights, stories (with consent) and tips to raise awareness about the importance of clear, consistent support.

2. Submit Press Releases

  • Write a short press release to local newspapers, either in print or via their website/social media channels.

  • Highlight your work, awareness events, or key messages about National Guidelines for Hoarding Support.

3. Promote Your Events

  • If your organisation is hosting an event, invite local news outlets to cover it.

  • Photos, interviews or a simple story about the event can help reach the wider community and start conversations about hoarding disorder.

Local journalists often look for stories that highlight community initiatives and positive change,  this is a perfect opportunity to educate and engage your community.

HOST AN EVENT

This could be a coffee morning or open afternoon designed to spark open, supportive conversations around Hoarding Disorder and hoarding behaviours. This event can be tailored to your setting, whether focused on staff learning, community engagement, or ideally, a blend of both.

1. Organise a Seminar or Workshop

  • Invite professionals, community leaders or individuals with lived experience to speak about hoarding disorder and the impact of clear support guidelines.

  • Focus on practical advice, strategies for support and understanding the challenges faced by people living with hoarding disorder.

2. Hold Awareness Sessions for Your Organisation

  • Host a lunch-and-learn, briefing or short discussion session to educate staff about hoarding behaviour and the new National Guidelines for Hoarding Support.

  • Encourage staff to share their thoughts and experiences, creating a safe space for conversation.

    3. Combine with Media or Online Awareness

    • Record your seminar or event and share highlights online or with local media to extend the reach.

    • Post key takeaways, quotes or discussion questions on social media to encourage further engagement.

    Host Educational Sessions

    Educational events and seminars are a great way to raise awareness, share knowledge and spark conversations about hoarding disorder.

    For Organisations: Use this time as an opportunity to reflect, learn and strengthen your organisation’s approach to hoarding support. Topics to consider include:

    • How confident staff feel when working with individuals who hoard
    • Whether there is a consistent approach or set criteria followed for all clients
    • The level of hoarding-specific training across your team
    • Gaps in knowledge, confidence or service provision
    • Gathering feedback from staff on areas they feel need improvement

    Wider Community: If you have the facilities, consider opening the event to the wider community, including:

    • People who experience hoarding
    • Family members, friends, and carers
    • Local services, housing providers, health and social care professionals
    • Voluntary and community organisations

    Creating a safe, inclusive space allows open discussions around all aspects of Hoarding Disorder, helps reduce stigma and encourages connection and understanding.

    EDUCATIONAL POP UP

    Host a educational pop up in a public space local to your service users to help spread awareness.
    Image

    Success Story: Members of the adult safeguarding team at Walsall Manor Hospital have hosted an awareness pop up the last few years.

    Not only did they discuss the impact and effects of hoarding disorder, in 2024 the fire service also were in atteanceprovided information on their free safe and well checks.

    Laura, Nurse & member of the adult safeguarding team, said the response they had was overwhelming, it highlighted how little understanding there is on the severity of Hoarding Disorder and why it is so important to host events like this.

    Share your plans for National Hoarding Awareness week!

    Make sure to tag the official accounts and use #HoardingAwarenessWeek2026