*Due to a sprained ankle, Zoë will be taking 5min cold showers till hopefully returning to sea swimming Saturday Feb 22nd! She is not giving up the chance to raise money and awareness this month, just adapting.*

Plunge for a Purpose: Turning Cold into Hope

For too many people in Brighton & Hove, housing insecurity is a daily reality. It’s more than just not having a stable place to live—it’s the uncertainty, isolation, and barriers that make it difficult to break free from the cycle of poverty. At Off The Fence, we believe home is more than a roof—it’s safety, stability, and the support needed to rebuild a future.

This February, we’re braving the cold to bring warmth and hope to those in crisis.

Caleb’s Story: From Chaos to Stability

When Caleb (name changed for privacy) found himself without secure housing, every day was a struggle. With no safe place to stay and ongoing mental health challenges, he felt stuck. That’s when he connected with our Antifreeze outreach team. Through their support, Caleb received mental health referrals, practical care, and guidance, helping him take the first steps toward stability. The team secured him a place at Safe Haven CIC, where he found security, consistency, and the chance to rebuild.

With continued support from Off The Fence—through drop-in services, encouragement, and mentorship—Caleb’s resilience grew. He started setting goals, making plans, and working towards a future he once thought was out of reach. His story is a powerful reminder that, with the right support, people can move from crisis to contribution.

Why We’re Taking the Plunge

Every person we support has their own story, but they all share one thing in common: the need for a place to call home and a pathway out of housing insecurity.

That’s why Zoë, our Community Fundraising Lead, is swimming in the freezing sea EVERY DAY in February—to raise £2,000 for Off The Fence. She’s taking on this challenge to highlight the struggles of housing insecurity and inspire others to take action.

And you can join her.

Polar Plunge Event:

Location - King Alfred’s Car Park, Hove

Time and Date - 11:00 AM | February 15th

Come with - swimming costume and towel

Community spirit included!

Your Support Builds Futures

By donating or joining the plunge, you help us expand our work and bring long-term solutions to homelessness. Our vision is to one day offer in-house wrap around care, including accommodation and a wellness hub—a place where people can heal, grow, and move from chaos to contribution in society.

£10 could provide a warm meal and essential supplies for our clients.

£50 could funds vital mental health and housing support.

£100 could help build the foundation for future housing and care services.

How to Get Involved

Donate to Zoë’s Challenge – Help us reach our £2,000 goal!

Take the Plunge Yourself – Join us on Feb 15 or choose your own time. https://forms.office.com/e/57Mw3fPa8V

Start Your Own Fundraiser – Challenge friends or colleagues to a cold-water dip and raise funds together.

Join Us & Make a Difference

Together, we can turn cold into comfort, crisis into community, and survival into success. Will you take the plunge and stand with those who need it most?

Contact Zoë for more details: zoe.hoyte@offthefence.org.uk

Let’s plunge for a purpose!