Our Team

Our Trustees

Megan Karnes

Megan Karnes

Chair

 

Lead by a recognised activist and authority on HB, Megan Karnes, is currently undertaking post graduate studies through Middlesex University.  Her qualifications include Counsellor BA (Hons)., Dip. Clinical Supervision and Consultancy, Prim. Cert CBT, National Advocacy Qualification, Independent Mental Health Advocate, Registered MBACP.  She came into Mental Health as an Organisational Development Consultant with experience transforming existing and building start up divisions and companies within the private, statutory and third sectors.

After running the organisation for thirteen years which resulted in incremental year-on-year growth across all areas, Ms Karnes recently stepped down as CEO to ensure the charity’s sustainability by moving it into a multi-leadership model. 

Carole Murray

Carole Murray

Mental Health Awareness Advisor

 

Carole is a Mental Health activist. She has worked with HoardingUK since its inception.

Carole is also a Trustee of two other mental health charities, CAPITAL Project Trust, in W.Sussex and Together for Mental Wellbeing, where she is also a member of the National Service User Steering Group.

Sharon Degen

Sharon Degen

Wellbeing Advisor

 

Sharon has been a part of HoardingUK since its inception.

Sharon Degen runs Archway Pilates. She started training in 2001 and now holds a Diploma in Anatomy and Physiology, and is a qualified Body Control Matwork Teacher.

Richard Lingwood

Richard Lingwood

HUK Trustee

Mandi Simms

Mandi Simms

HUK Trustee

Our Staff

Emma Strelert-Ross

Emma Strelert-Ross

Services Manager

I’m the Services manager here at HoardingUK. I have a degree in Community Sector Management and previous experience with AgeUK and Social Action for Health. I have been with HUK for six months, since I started, we have hired volunteers for our helpline, advocacy placement volunteers, volunteer counsellors as well as Healthy Homes officers and therapists for our Healthy Homes Program.

I can see massive potential for the Healthy Homes Program to expand, take on more participants and make real changes to peoples’ lives. I am excited for the opportunity to work alongside staff, volunteers and the board, to make this happen.

If you have any queries about our Healthy Homes Project or Helpline Relaunch, please don’t hesitate to contact me at emma@hoardinguk.org

Claudicia Weekes

Claudicia Weekes

Advocacy Support Officer

As an advocate at HoardingUK, I support individuals affected by hoarding behaviours by helping them navigate complex systems, access appropriate services, and have their voices heard. My work involves raising awareness, challenging stigma and promoting person centred approaches to support lasting change.

If you feel that you need support from our advocacy team, please reach out to me at advocacy@hoardinguk.org, or read more about what we can do to help you or someone you know on our website.

Natalie

Natalie

Media Consultant

Finding a place in HoardingUK was quite a strange journey. As someone who has a family member who has hoarding behaviours, I was initially searching for answers on the disorder and stumbled onto the charity. I had only set out to understand and support my loved one the best way I could but HUK stood out to me: I was inspired by the respect, compassion and empathy that HUK has for people with hoarding behaviours. I wanted to contribute to the positive impact this charity is making in the world, and if I get to use my Graphic Communication degree then that’s just an added bonus!

The HUK Team have been so kind and supportive, I am proud to say that everyone here believes in the cause. I’m just happy to do my bit and help in any way I can.

If you have a story that you’d like to share, please feel free to contact me at media@hoardinguk.org and we can chat.

Rebecca

Rebecca

Volunteer Advocacy

I joined Hoarding UK as a volunteer in October 2024. I am currently interning in the Advocacy team and helping to ensure a smooth transition as we switch data management software. 
Richard

Richard

Volunteer

I was looking for ways to understand a friend whose life was becoming difficult because of her hoarding disorder. Learning about decluttering did not help much.

Megan’s trainings enabled me to progress in understanding my friend’s relationship with her belongings. My friend is making significant progress in making the house habitable and safe. It is taking time to work through the backlog of personal issues and house repairs associated with the hoarding behaviour. However my friend says she feels more in control and is enjoying her life.

Since volunteering with HoardingUK, I completed a Level 3 Diploma in Counselling Skills and followed trainings made available by The Gift of Reconnection: Becoming Trauma Informed Gold Level and ZSA Online Suicide Awareness Training. These trainings are useful in my telephone response work at HUK, but also they have helped me to understand myself and therefore to be an informed supporter for people with a hoarding disorder.

Training staff

Training Services

Megan Karnes

Megan Karnes

Founder/Director/Chair

 

Lead by a recognised activist and authority on HB, Megan Karnes, is currently undertaking post graduate studies through Middlesex University.  Her qualifications include Counsellor BA (Hons)., Dip. Clinical Supervision and Consultancy, Prim. Cert CBT, National Advocacy Qualification, Independent Mental Health Advocate, Registered MBACP.  She came into Mental Health as an Organisational Development Consultant with experience transforming existing and building start up divisions and companies within the private, statutory and third sectors.

After running the organisation for thirteen years which resulted in incremental year-on-year growth across all areas, Ms Karnes recently stepped down as CEO to ensure the charity’s sustainability by moving it into a multi-leadership model. 

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