The Big Imagine Sleepout! What's My Why?

9th November 2017

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On Friday 17 November, myself and my family will be taking part in The Big Imagine Sleepout and joining over 150 people in spending the night beneath the stars exposed to the elements to raise awareness, as well as vital funds to help those currently facing homelessness in Watford.

I wanted to share with you why #TeamDennis is taking part and how you can help.

Yes, many people become homeless because they can no longer afford the rent BUT for many, life events like a relationship breaking down, losing a job, mental or physical health problems, or substance misuse can be the trigger.

As someone who has worked with people who are homeless, when you listen to their story you soon realise that it can happen to ANY one of us.

Once you are homeless these problems are even harder to resolve.

More than 300,000 people in Britain – equivalent to one in every 200 – are officially recorded as homeless or living in inadequate homes, according to figures released by the charity Shelter.

If this statistic doesn't make you want to support The Big Imagine Sleepout then maybe these will?

In 2013-14 over 1.7 million adults accessed NHS services for severe or enduring mental health problems

There are currently 94,000 children in care in the UK and over 60% of children in care are looked after due to abuse and neglect

It is estimated that 42 per cent of marriages now end in divorce

In 2015 Homeless Link estimated that 71 per cent of people who were homeless were men

In 2015/16, around 1 in 12 (8.4 per cent) adults aged 16 to 59 had taken an illicit drug in the last year (this equates to around 2.7 million people)

In six months, 326,639 people contacted StepChange Debt Charity for help and support with their problem debt

The average homeless person has a life expectancy of 47 (compared to 77 for the rest of the population)

People can become homeless when they leave prison, care or the army (with no home to go to)

Many homeless women have escaped a violent relationship (and more than likely, still in one)

Right now, there is an unprecedented number of people facing the same situation every night (with no basic needs forfilled: warmth, food, safety, let alone love and opportunities for a better life) because they are 'one of the above'.

My family and those taking part in The Big Imagine Sleepout are are lucky (for now) it's just one night we are giving up a cozy bed, to help make a difference to the people through no fault of their own will be facing much harsher conditions than what we'll be experiencing a week Friday in Fullerians Rugby Club (with 150 people by our side).

If you would like to support #TeamDennis please buy a raffle ticket for £5 BUY A RAFFLE TICKET.

There's some fantastic prizes, donated by local businesses including: