Magan is set to speak at these upcoming conventions in June
Third Section
Thursday 19th June
Megan has been invited to speak at the conference alongside other prominent leaders in charity management to share her expertise and insights from founding and chairing HoardingUK. Other experts in the fundraising, finance, tech and charity sectors will also be speaking at the conference: covering topics such as navigating current challenges and strategies for future success.
Royal College of Psychologists
Tuesday 24th June
A Letter from the Chair
As the sun shines, for many, the mood lifts a bit. Perhaps, too, in crowded homes, the heat can become not warming but overwhelming. Seeing others who appear carefree through the glare permeating the thickest window shades can work to dim the mood and stifle motivation. Heighten shame. Tiring out the mind and spirit, which may already be exhausted.
There is so much to celebrate and so much to mourn. There are too many things outside our immediate control.
It is okay. As okay as it is going to be for the time being. It is okay to be you. It is okay to struggle. It is okay to rest in both light and darkness.
To quote Rogers and Hammerstein:
“Strength doesn’t lie in numbers,
Strength doesn’t lie in wealth.
Strength lies in nights of peaceful slumbers.
When you wake up, wake up!
It’s healthy!”
So, to acknowledge that not everyone reading this is basking in the glow of summer. Some, perhaps many, who we serve are struggling…
So, to move towards the light inside, which may at times seem dull, may take time. Time to clear the heart and home of the remnants weighing us down.
So, to step towards that inner light is a step towards healing. Letting go is a step towards recovery. Recovery can mean finding items which have been lost or stolen…ironic that 😉
Megan
Help Support Laura
“Even though I had planned to walk the South West Coast Path, nothing could have prepared me for the reality of hiking for 6-10 hours a day, mostly alone, day after day.
The first week was much harder than I had imagined, those first four days were a relentless trek along the coast, on a 30-centimetre path hugging the cliff edge, hugging my poles for dear life, especially when it was windy.
The weather has been mostly glorious and the views absolutely breathtaking, which definitely helps when you’re in pain.
I damaged my knee in the first week. I think the strain of all the steep undulations put pressure on me and the weight of the pack.
I had to stop in Ilfracombe and sobbed at the thought I may have to pause the walk. I got the bus to Barnstaple and the NHS were amazing. They told me it was a bad sprain. I agonised over what to do and in the end decided that if I lightened my pack and shortened my days, I might be okay.
I took advice from a wonderful physio and have been working on my knee and resting where I can.
Nothing can beat the feeling of making it to the top, sitting and taking in the twinkling sea, the sounds of the sea birds and lush green scenery.
I already feel like this trip is changing me.
I’m on week three now and as I write this I’m preparing to walk from Newquay to Perranporth. I’ve officially walked 190 miles, but it’s been about 230 in reality. I have a long way to go but I’m determined to finish it, even if it takes longer than I thought.”
Volunteers’ Week
The work, time and skills our volunteers contribute to HoardingUK is essential to providing help and support to the people who need it. We are grateful to our wonderful HUK volunteers the whole year round, but since Volunteers’ Week took place from the 2nd – 8th of June, we want to give an especially big thank you to each and every one of our volunteers.
Nat’s Story
Volunteer Media Consultant
“I have been volunteering with HoardingUK since March, I decided to start after speaking with Megan about another hoarding-related project that I have been working on-and-off for years on. I found HoardingUK during my project’s research stage about 2 years ago and loved the ethos of the charity even then. After speaking with Megan this March, it became clear to me that HoardingUK views and treats people with hoarding behaviours with the respect, care and dignity they deserve. I wanted to be a part of it all.
The thing I enjoy most about volunteering here is the feeling of making a positive difference.
I would definitely recommend volunteering to anyone who is looking to do a good deed a day, or to people who want to feel better about themselves. The experience is so rewarding, and it benefits both you and the people you are helping. I would also recommend volunteering specifically at HoardingUK, if this is a cause that is close to your heart.”
Your Online Communities
Choice and Control in Hoarding Behaviour Training
Chairing Postive Change
Motivational Interviewing Training
Family, Friends and Others Support Groups
At the request of many, HUK has launched an online support group for family, friends and others who are not professionals to get support, then in turn better support people who hoard. For more information about the impact we’re making, read about here in this Guardian article.
HUK Helpline
Sign up for 27 45-minute sessions on a weekly, fortnightly and then monthly basis through our Helpline. We offer the service free of charge, but are asking people to make a donation of any amount to support our important work.
Place in the Space Support Group
These monthly psychological and practical support sessions offer a safe space to anyone who hoards who wants to work on managing their space and wellbeing. Please consider joining, no one is required at any point in these sessions to let go of any item explored.