Hedger Humor is an American comic.  On the first day of every month, the person across from the lead character clarifies that it is a new month.  ‘It’s October’ the other says calmly, to which the lead character spits out her coffee in disbelief.  I’m rhetorically spilling my tea that we are at the end of September!

Internally, happy to announce the promotion of Emma Strelert Ross to Associate Director.  Emma has worked tirelessly to ensure that our services have been delivered with the quality and care we aspire to and others expect. Hui Lin has returned from her sabbatical with the United Nations internship. Her role has now morphed into Access and Assessment Manager.  She will be coordinating services and overseeing assessments.  Her psychology degree and years working with HUK (having started as a volunteer) make her perfectly suited for this role.

Claudicia Weekes, our Advocacy Services Manager, is undertaking further training to ensure that her expertise expands to the multi-faceted areas of advocacy and law.

So, while we round the corner to autumn, HUK is in a great position to increase capacity and access to our person-centred, time-managed, cost effective services.

– Megan

17-18 October, 10:00-12:00 – Online via Teams

We’re returning to this year’s Home, Life & You event, proudly promoting our work and meeting the community as part of over 100 exhibitors!

Spend this rainy October weekend indoors, discovering new brands (many with exclusive offers) or learning from the top experts, creators and coaches who will be speaking on-stage and mid-aisle.

“Two days of expert stages, live demos and conversations across home, life and wellbeing that you actually want to have.”

At the HoardingUK stand you can meet our incredible team, including HUK Chair/Founder Megan Karnes, who will be giving out general information and direct support to those who visit.

The award-winning ‘Of All The Things’ will also be screening at the HoardingUK stand at Home, Life & You Show.

The film is a short animation about a mother-daughter bond tested by hoarding disorder, aiming to foster understanding and combat stigma around the condition.

Popcorn, candy and drinks will be available to buy for a fully immersive experience!

As part of our long-lasting collaboration, our newsletter readers can use a 25% discount at the checkout, making tickets much more accessible.

Home, Life & You have a #ShineNotShame policy, welcoming everyone: “No judgment, just good people and great energy.” Come as you are to the Home, Life & You show!

Difficulties with hoarding often start around the age of 20 but it can take many years for people to seek support. This is much more common than we realise, especially in people with ADHD or neurodiversity, where 1 in 4 people struggle with managing items.

Freya is a Trainee Clinical Psychologist at the University of Sheffield where she is running an online mental health study to understand the links between mental health and clutter and to raise awareness of hoarding disorder in young people.

Taking part in the Messy Minds Study involves completing three surveys and joining one online workshop. You will contribute to mental health research that could help others and also be entered into a £50 prize draw.

The study is for anyone aged 18-25* and answers yes to one or more of these statements:

· “I find it hard/upsetting to throw stuff away.”

· “My room might be messier than most.”

· “Other people have called me messy.”

· “The amount of stuff I have can make it hard to find things.”

· “I often buy things that I don’t need.”

· “I feel like my stuff can get on top of me.”

If you would like to learn more, you can read more on the main website or follow the sign up link below.