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Our Story
The Start of Our Hoarding Support Journey
Our director, Heather Matuozzo, shares the story of how Clouds End CIC started and became the first social enterprise in the UK to support individuals with hoarding behaviour.
2009 - The Birth of Clouds End CIC
Pioneering Support for Hoarding Disorder
On the 9th of December 2009, Clouds End CIC was officially founded, becoming the first social enterprise in the UK dedicated to supporting individuals with Hoarding Disorder. Our director, Heather Matuozzo, established the organisation after realising that no existing support networks were available for those struggling with hoarding behaviours.
2010 - Hoarding Awareness Training Begins
Educating Professionals on Hoarding Behaviours
Recognising the need for greater awareness and professional education, Heather developed the first Hoarding Awareness Training course for Sandwell Homes in 2010. This marked the beginning of Clouds End’s mission to train professionals across the UK, equipping them with the knowledge to better support individuals experiencing hoarding difficulties.
2014 - National Hoarding Awareness Week
Driving Change on a National Scale
Clouds End CIC played a pivotal role in devising and launching National Hoarding Awareness Week in 2014. As the main sponsor, we have continued to host this annual event, providing free information and workshops to raise awareness and educate the public about hoarding disorder.
2019 - Funding for Chaos to Order Project
A Multi-Agency Approach to Hoarding Support
In recognition of our work, we secured funding from Birmingham City Council in 2019 to launch the ongoing Chaos to Order project. This initiative adopts a multi-agency, person-centred approach, working alongside other organisations to provide tailored support to individuals in need.
2020 - Launch of Clouds End Training Ltd
First CPD-Accredited Hoarding Awareness Training in England
To further our educational efforts, Clouds End Training Ltd was officially launched in 2020, offering CPD-accredited Hoarding Awareness Training. Our team, comprised of experts in housing, psychology, mental health, and fire safety, ensures that training remains relevant, up-to-date, and impactful.
2023 - Growth in Research and Public Engagement
Advancing Understanding Through Research
With an increasing emphasis on research, our team has been at the forefront of studies on hoarding behaviours. We have hosted conferences, collaborated with universities, and continued to refine our training programmes based on real-world client experiences. Our involvement in National Hoarding Awareness Week in 2023 further strengthened our outreach, with our team engaging directly with the public and media.
2024 - Continuing to Lead the Way
Expanding Support and Awareness Efforts
As awareness of hoarding disorder grows, so does our mission. In 2024, our psychologist, Sam Wainman, was invited to discuss hoarding on BBC News, highlighting the success of our awareness initiatives. We remain dedicated to supporting individuals, educating professionals, and advancing research in the field.
Looking Ahead - The Next 15 Years
Committed to Change and Growth
The past 15 years have been transformative for Clouds End CIC and the wider hoarding support community. As research expands and professional training becomes a priority, hoarding disorder is finally being recognised as a mental health condition. We look forward to continuing our work—supporting those who need it most and educating those who can make a difference.