A Letter from the Chair
Thankful.
The US tradition of Thanksgiving brings families and friends together in gratitude. Many people have been wishing me a happy Thanksgiving, and it makes me smile. As we approach the end of the year, there is so much to appreciate.
It would be easy for everyone here, carrying out these amazing feats, to be moody and stressed. I think the thing I’m most thankful for is the joy and love with which we work. We support those we serve, as well as each other.
For those we serve, please know that our capacity to provide help is increasing. Our operational systems are being streamlined and it should be easier and faster for us to respond to enquiries to provide support and to empower.
A reminder, too though, that change isn’t easy. Stopping can seem the best option. When you’re weary…rest. When you’re overwhelmed…look at one thing.
Rest and focus. One thing. Not everything. Act with self-care.
Our purpose, always, has been to provide a safe space for people to heal. So, I am thankful to the team, those we serve and the broader community for continuing to engage with this journey.
-Megan
National Fire Kills Campaign
The National Fire Kills campaign relaunched in November 2025, emphasising the importance of having multiple working smoke alarms at home, along with simple, practical steps people can take to prevent fires and escape safely if one does occur. Fires can start in any room, at any time. Without awareness of the risks, the right alarm coverage, and a clear escape plan, you may not hear the warning in time to escape.
Fire safety is essential for all households, but people living with hoarding behaviours are at significantly increased risk, which is why Hoarding UK are proud to support this campaign – to help ensure that everyone has access to clear and practical guidance to help themselves stay safe from fire.
The toolkit below includes essential information on preventing fires and preparing to escape in an emergency. It also contains printable resources, including a fire safety checklist, with simple bedtime checks designed to help you stay safe.
Laura Clark et al
Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychology, Northumbria University
“Understanding the barriers and facilitating factors to mental health help-seeking in adults with hoarding behaviours: a preliminary investigation.“
Laura and her team unveil groundbreaking insights into the challenges and catalysts for help-seeking among individuals with hoarding behaviour.
With new ideas to add to the current school of thought surrounding hoarding, this publication grants readers a deeper understanding into the factors that can help or hinder a person with hoarding behaviours to seek help.
Membership Benefit Survey
But there’s always room for improvement, and we’re looking to enhance and expand our efforts, so HoardingUK is conducting a Membership Benefit Survey.
Please take a moment to complete this survey: your voices and views can lead the way forward for HoardingUK.
I am in it
I am part of it
I caused it and I created it
Now who am I?
Am I Mandi or am I Mandi the hoarder?
Do I let it define me or do I choose to speak up and speak out
So I am in control
Or is the hoard controlling me?
I choose to take control and change
I recognise and admit I have a problem
I am the problem
I choose to acknowledge THE PROBLEM
I choose to change
And ‘let it go’
And regain my Sparkle.
A poem by Mandi Simms
Your Online Communities
Choice and Control in Hoarding Behaviour Training
Chairing Postive Change
Motivational Interviewing Training
Join us for an inspiring Motivational Interviewing Open Day on Thursday, 25th September, from 10:00-16:30, and enhance your skills!
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.
User Involvement Group Meetings
This event is intended for HoardingUK users, including people who have utilised our services or attended our training courses.
If you are a user and have suggestions about how we can improve our services, we encourage you to join us here and give your valued feedback.
Dawn
Reviewing Place in the Space
“A helpful meeting to be with others struggling with clutter.“