In this episode of Inspiring Working Lives, Dan Taylor sits down with Megan Karnes, founder of Hoard UK, to explore the realities of hoarding, mental health and the power of turning lived experience into meaningful change.
Megan shares her journey from volunteering in the mental health sector to establishing Hoard UK from her living room, building a national organisation dedicated to supporting individuals affected by hoarding behaviours and challenging common misconceptions along the way.
Tune in to hear:
- How a career in mental health led Megan to found Hoard UK
- Why hoarding is about far more than clutter
- The challenges of changing perceptions and reducing stigma
- The importance of compassion, understanding and support
- Lessons from building an organisation with purpose and impact
Dan Taylor
Managing Director at Morgan Hunt
I am the Managing Director of Morgan Hunt and Pentagon Talent and have held this position since January 2017. Over that period, I have overseen a full-scale change programme that has led to a more defined offering to the businesses long standing clients, a full change of brand, a new CRM and several adoptions of new and innovative tech and the opening of a new business in Scotland. All this has contributed to returning this long-standing business to profit.
In 2023, Morgan Hunt was awarded the NORA award for best large recruitment business for Morgan Hunt’s online presence, The Financial Times listed Morgan Hunt as one of the top 30 British Recruitment Companies and The Recruiter Magazine will feature Morgan Hunt in their Fast 100 for 2023.
I have worked within staffing and recruitment for 28 years. I am a major supporter of APSCo, attending many events throughout the year. I am a firm advocate for greater professionalism within the recruitment industry.
Married with two daughters, outside work interests include playing the drums and supporting the Sussex Cricket Foundation by creating greater access to the sport of cricket within the City of Brighton and Hove.
Megan Karnes
Director at Mental Health Consultancy UK. Founcer/Chair HoardingUK
Megan Karnes, Director, HoardingUK and Mental Health Consultancy UK.
HoardingUK is the UK National Charity for people impacted by hoarding behaviours. We're here for systemic change that can only be achieved by involving people who hoard, increasing understanding, improving mental health support, reducing stigma, and stopping the vicious ineffective cycle of blitz clean, punitive actions and eviction that are so common.
Stopping eviction was the primary motivator for establishing the organisation. Advocacy is a key aspect of our work. Supporting people dealing with hoarding by providing structured helpline support. This involves regular calls with people, family members and professionals. On-going support not a quick fix.
