Can you conquer the DENS Sponsored Sleepout?

DENS is thrilled about the return of its flagship fundraising event on Friday 25 November.

The evening will kick off in style with a glow in the dark silent disco and magic tricks, before participants head outside to build their beds and brave a unique night under the stars. There will also be the option to sleep in a new quiet indoor area.

The Dacorum charity is challenging people to experience rough sleeping on a cold winter night and raise sponsorship to support those in the community facing homelessness and food poverty.

Open to friends, families, businesses and community groups, the event takes place at the exciting new venue of Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School in Hemel Hempstead.

Samuel Steadman (pictured) is a former DENS client who experienced homelessness during the pandemic, but is now living independently in his own property. He will be taking on the Sleepout for a second year running, after raising over £600 in 2021.

He said: ‘The main reason I’m taking part is to spread awareness, because someone like myself can go from having everything to then having absolutely nothing within the space of a couple of months.’

DENS is also offering the chance for people to host their own fundraiser with Your Sleepout. By signing up, participants will receive an exclusive toolkit to help make it a memorable night, whether they’re sleeping in an office, school, garden or anywhere else.

Imagination Technologies, the world-renowned semiconductor company based in Kings Langley, is a proud Business Partner of DENS and is kindly sponsoring the event for a consecutive year.

David Harold, Chief Marketing Officer, said: ‘We hope that by supporting DENS we allow them to focus on what they do best, as money coming in allows them to plan for the future.’

Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager at DENS, said: ‘We can’t wait for participants from around the community to take on the challenge of our Sleepout and help raise vital funds for those most in need.’

Registration for the DENS Sponsored Sleepout is now open at www.dens.org.uk/sleepout.