This Hoarding Awareness Week, we’d like to shine a light on an issue that’s often misunderstood. Hoarding isn’t simply about clutter or untidiness – it’s a recognised mental health condition, and for many people it can have a serious impact on daily life, health and safety. National Hoarding Awareness Week runs from 11 to 15 May 2026 and focuses on improving understanding, reducing stigma and encouraging the right support.
Here at Accent, we know this matters. Hoarding can affect how safely someone lives in their home, but it can also affect neighbours, shared spaces, repairs access and emergency response. That means it’s not just a housing issue or a housekeeping issue – it’s something that needs a compassionate, joined-up response. The Hoarding Awareness Week campaign specifically highlights organisations like ours as one that has an important role to play.
It’s also more common than many people may realise. Around 2.5% of adults may meet the criteria for a hoarding disorder. Applied to the UK population, that could mean around 1.7 million people. While exact figures vary, the message is clear – this isn’t rare, and it’s something many communities will be affected by.
One of the biggest concerns is fire safety. Hoarding can increase the amount of combustible material in a home, hide ignition sources, block exits and make it harder for emergency services to get in quickly. Government housing safety guidance recognises hoarding as a fire hazard, with one UK city Fire Brigade having reported attending almost 1,040 hoarding-related fires in a single year, with around 186 injuries and 10 deaths.
The risks don’t stop there. Research shows that hoarding can have a major effect on day-to-day living and wellbeing. A large study found that people with clinically relevant hoarding symptoms were much more likely to report fire hazards in the home and concerns about emergency access. Other evidence shows hoarding is linked to greater difficulties with mobility, self-care, home management and daily activities. Among older adults with a hoarding disorder, 64% struggle with self-care and 81% face health risks linked to fires, falls and poor sanitation.
At Accent, we believe the right approach is supportive, practical and non-judgemental. Shame can stop people from asking for help, and evidence shows that forced or sudden clear-outs can be distressing and may even make hoarding behaviours worse. That’s why it’s so important to listen, build trust and work with people at a pace that feels manageable.
There are also practical steps that can help reduce immediate fire risk. Keeping exits, hallways and stairs clear can make it easier to escape in an emergency. Smoke alarms should be tested regularly and kept free from obstruction. It’s important not to store items on or near cookers, heaters, electrical consumer units or fireplaces, and communal areas should never be used for storage. Fire doors shouldn’t be wedged open and should always be able to close properly.
If you’re worried about yourself, a friend, a family member or a neighbour, there’s support available. Speaking to a GP can be an important first step, as they may be able to refer someone for specialist mental health support. Local fire and rescue services may also be able to offer Safe and Well visits or home fire safety checks. If you live in an Accent home, you can also speak to your housing officer for help, support and guidance.
This Hoarding Awareness Week, our message is simple – hoarding is a mental health issue, support is available, and people don’t have to face it alone. By raising awareness and approaching the issue with empathy, we can help people stay safe in their homes and get the support they need with dignity.