DENS supporters brave a cold night outside for the Sleepout

Last Friday, over 100 local people endured a winter’s night outside on the cold, hard ground for the DENS Sponsored Sleepout.

Friends, families, businesses and groups from around the community came together at Hobbs Hill Wood Primary School, or their homes and offices, to share the experience of sleeping rough in support of the charity.

The hugely successful event has so far raised over an incredible £31,000 – with every penny helping local, vulnerable individuals and families facing homelessness and poverty.

The night kicked off in style with a screening of the England vs USA football match, before attendees had fun dancing at a glow silent disco.

Participants, wrapped up in thick layers and sleeping bags, then braved a humbling night sleeping under the stars with only cardboard boxes for shelter, kindly provided by local removal company, JamVans. Hot drinks served up by DENS’ social enterprise, the Coffee Project, helped to keep participants warm.

In the morning, participants celebrated their fantastic achievement with a well-deserved breakfast generously provided by the local Rapid Relief Team.

Imagination Technologies, the semiconductor company based in Kings Langley, kindly sponsored the event.

Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, Corporate & Community Fundraising Manager at DENS, said: “Thank you to everyone who took part in the Sleepout, and all our supporters who were key in making the event a big success. We are so grateful for the incredible total raised, which is more important than ever as our services face unprecedented demand during these difficult times.”

Donations can still be made towards the event by visiting: www.dens.org.uk/sleepout-donations.