FUNDRAISERS are being called to sign up for the tenth annual Big Sleep Out and Dawn Walk in Leamington on Friday October 10.
The event will see individuals, organisations, and teams from across Warwickshire spend a night outdoors in the grounds of All Saints Church to raise vital funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness and hardship in the local area.
Several prominent local businesses have already pledged their support, including Thomas Flavell & Sons and Fine & Country, both of whom will have teams taking part on the night. Jonathan from Fine & Country will mark a special milestone of his own as the only person to have taken part in all ten sleepout events since they began.
Eleanor Deeley, joint managing director of Deeley Construction, will also be taking part.
She said: “I am pleased to be supporting Helping Hands Community Project by attending their tenth annual sleep out on World Homelessness Day.
“The lack of affordable and social housing has caused the rate of homelessness to soar across the UK, a reality which thousands of vulnerable people face every day.
“More high-quality affordable houses are urgently needed to improve quality of life and better futures. When housing costs are reduced, individuals can allocate funds for other necessities.”
In addition to the sleepout, participants will also be invited to join the Dawn Walk the following morning, a guided walk through Leamington led by Helping Hands’ support worker, Kev. The walk symbolises “A New Dawn” and highlights key local sites linked to homelessness, finishing at Helping Hands’ Althorpe Street office with breakfast and refreshments.
Stacey Calder, events co-ordinator at Helping Hands, added: “This event is about more than just one night – it’s about raising awareness, opening conversations, and showing solidarity with those who face the harsh reality of homelessness every day. By joining us on World Homeless Day, our community and local businesses can demonstrate the power we have when we come together to make change happen.”
Visit www.helpinghandscharity.org.uk for more details.
