This episode is a little bit different to my usual episodes, but just as important nonetheless. 

I'm talking to Nicky Maxwell, Community and Events Manager at DENS,- Dacorum emergency night shelter - about their annual fundraiser, The Sleepout. 

At its prestigious new venue of Lockers Park School in Hemel Hempstead, the event will kick off with a fun-filled evening of team games and live entertainment.There will also be a new, dedicated sleeping area for participating businesses, where they can take on a night of team building like no other. When it’s time to bed down under the stars, attendees will get to experience a small glimpse of what life is like for rough sleepers during the harsh winter months. As a thank you for giving up their bed for the night, a free breakfast will be provided for all participants at the break of dawn.

Last year's event raised a spectacular £30,000 to support DENS’ life-changing work for local people facing homelessness. This year, the charity are aiming even higher with their fundraising target to help meet the unprecedented demand for their services.

In our talk, Nicky shares some quite staggering statistics around how many people they help, which makes me both happy and sad. I'm happy that there are people like Nicky and DENS who support people who for various reasons have found themselves homeless. But I'm equally sad that in this day and age, there isn't the government support there and that people have to rely on charities to get the help they deserve. 

The sleepout is taking place in Hemel Hempstead on Friday 22nd November and you can sign up on the DENS webside. If you cannot take part, please consider donating money, or share the signup with someone that are able to take part. 

 ·         It’s FREE to take part, and you can sign up to book your place or donate https://www.dens.org.uk/event/sponsored-sleepout/

·         Give up your bed on a cold winter night to help local people facing homelessness, and experience a small glimpse of what life is like for rough sleepers during the harsh winter months.

·         It’s also an action-packed evening of entertainment and community spirit with live music, games and marshmallow toasting before bedding down.

·         You can book as an individual or part of a team, and we ask everyone to raise as much money as they can.

You want to take part? Great! This is what you'll need:
We’ll be spending a lot of the evening completely outdoors. Bring layers and waterproofs to keep warm throughout.

For overnight we’d recommend:
Cardboard, sleeping bag, hat, gloves, thick socks, plus anything that might make your evening more comfortable, such as a pillow or a survival bag to keep off rain.
Feel free to bring a change of clothes for sleeping, but make sure you’re keeping warm!
There won’t be anywhere secure to store your valuables on site so please leave at home or keep on your person. We will not be liable for any lost or stolen items.
Indoor Sleeping available.

When you fundraise for DENS, you help support everything they do. 
DENS aim is to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community. The charity ensures individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions.
DENS’ integrated services include:
Day Centre - A community-based setting, providing expert advice, where anyone is welcome to drop in, have a shower, a hot meal, some clean clothes, as well as some friendly company. Outreach - Working with local rough sleepers to build trust and offer access to any services needed – with a focus on bringing people into safe and stable accommodation.
The Elms - A 44-bed hostel providing emergency and short-term accommodation to single, homeless adults.
Crash Pad - Emergency overnight accommodation offered to people when we are unable to accommodate them immediately at The Elms.
Move On - Providing support for The Elms residents into more independent living in shared accommodation.
Resettlement - Supporting clients moving from The Elms or Move On into council, social housing or private rental.
Foodbank - Providing emergency food parcels and household provisions to local individuals and families.
In the Community – Supporting people in the community during this cost of living crisis and helping reduce the need to visit our Foodbank.
Social Enterprises - Developing employability skills and self-confidence in a supportive environment, while also raising income.