Local Solicitors Sleep in Car Park to support DENS

Staff from the Berkhamsted office joined their colleagues in Luton, bedding down in the grounds of their car park, to raise funds for DENS and experience what it might be like to be homeless.  The team have so far raised over £3,895, 159% over their original target.

Machins Partner, Paul Owen, from Berkhamsted says “There was great team camaraderie and we enjoyed spending time with each other, focusing on something outside of work. I was happy to swap the warm for the cold in order to give something back to a great local charity and experience, on a personal level, what it’s like to be homeless and I now feel I have a better understanding.”

Sorcha Monaghan and Holly Baker, Solicitors from the Luton office both had very humbling experiences.

Sorcha explains “It has been a very eye opening experience. Bedding down in seriously cold weather in the aftermath of Storm Dennis and Storm Ciara was tough, despite having the luxuries of warm clothing, hot water bottles, snacks, and access to basic facilities – things most rough sleepers don’t have.”  Holly adds “The hardest part for me was waking up during the early hours then trying to get back to sleep on a cold, and very uncomfortable, floor. I was also acutely aware that I was surrounded by my colleagues and friends in a safe environment. I can imagine being homeless is a very lonely and isolating experience.”

Nicky Maxwell-Braithwaite, DENS Community & Events Fundraising Manager went along to support the team. “Having organised our own DENS Sleepout in November, I was able to give helpful advice such as to place their cardboard beds close to the wall to shelter from the fierce winds and cold draughts. It was great to meet the team. I’m so proud of them for raising such an incredible amount of money, and for helping to highlight the issues homeless people face during the cold winter months and throughout the year.”

To find out more about DENS visit www.DENS.org.uk

If you would still like to support then please follow the following link – Just Giving

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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.

DENS ensure individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to food and provisions. They provide a range of accommodation options to support people to move on and sustain their own tenancy and provide advice and training; empowering people to develop skills and confidence to build a better future and be an active member of their community.

DENS integrated services include:

The Elms, a 44-bed hostel providing temporary to short-term accommodation

Day Centre – providing a daytime haven, advice, shower, company and a hot meal

Open Space – a place to socialise, be creative develop skills & seek advice

Move On Service – providing support for a move into more independent living

Foodbank – providing emergency food supplies and household provisions.

Social Enterprises – Development of employability skills and self-confidence in a supportive environment whilst raising income for DENS.