Local charity Helping Hands Community Project is calling on the community and the business sector to come together in support of its milestone 10th Annual Big Sleep Out & Dawn Walk.
The event is taking place on World Homeless Day, Friday 10 October, 2025, in the grounds of All Saints Church, Leamington Spa.
The event will see individuals, organisations, and teams from across Warwickshire spend a night outdoors 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. Remarkably, Jonathan from Fine & Country will mark a special milestone of his own as the only person to have taken part in all 10 Sleepout events since they began.
Eleanor Deeley, Joint Managing Director of Deeley Group, will also be taking part and shared why supporting the Sleepout is so important to her
She said: “I am pleased to be supporting Helping Hands Community Project by attending their 10th 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.
We are currently delivering our first cohousing scheme in Lozells, which practically tackles the housing shortage whilst strengthening the community. Over the years we have focused on working with housing associations to allow them to provide much needed high-quality affordable housing, delivering over £70.6 million of affordable housing over the past 10 years.
Not only do these events raise money to support the vital services that Helping Hands provide locally, but they bring awareness and open conversations about the severity of homelessness across the Midlands and beyond.”
In addition to the Sleepout, participants will also be invited to join the Dawn Walk the following morning, a guided walk through Leamington Spa 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.
A Call to the Community and Businesses
Helping Hands is urging individuals, community groups, and local businesses to join in this year’s event, which promises to be the most impactful yet, with a range of speakers from local partners to clients sharing their stories. Participants are encouraged to take on the #10for10 fundraising challenge – whether that’s raising £100 as an individual, rallying 10 supporters to donate £100 each as a small business, or sponsoring the event as a corporate partner.
Funds raised will directly support Helping Hands’ vital work in the community, including running its soup kitchen (which can serve over 50 meals a night), male and female support groups, House2Home project, and access to support workers for individuals with vulnerabilities across Warwick, Leamington, and Kenilworth.
Stacey Calder, Events Co-ordinator at Helping Hands, said: “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.”
How to Get Involved
- Register now to take part in the Big Sleepout & Dawn Walk: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/big-sleepout-and-dawn-walk-2025-helping-hands-community-project-tickets-1140814650329?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Fundraise by taking on the #10for10 challenge: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bigsleepoutanddawnwalk2025
- Sponsor the event as a business and help us make an even greater impact
For more information, visit www.helpinghandscharity.org.uk or email Stacey@helpinghandscharity.org.uk