Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

This April I will be taking to the streets of London and running the London Marathon. I’m delighted to be raising funds for DENS and I would really appreciate your support – not only of my gruelling training and of course, the marathon, but also for your all-important donations, however big or small.

You may know DENS as being a homeless charity for people in Dacorum. In fact, DENS is so much more than a bed and a roof. Providing temporary accommodation is just one step towards a long-term solution. DENS aim is to help people to help themselves, by offering them stability and encouragement in order to rebuild their lives and back into independent living.

In 2018, DENS have:
•    Given 245 people emergency accommodation
•    Housed 35 people who were previously rough sleepers
•    Moved 91 people into independent living.
•    Served 4,438 hot meals in our Day Centre
•    Fed 1,842 families, including 1,480 children through their foodbank
•    Distributed 52 Home Starter Packs
•    Organised 78 tenancy support sessions
•    Fed 11 dogs belong to their Service Users

By working with people to understand and deal with the root cause of their problems, and the obstacles they are facing, DENS can support individuals and help them make the next positive step in their lives; securing and sustaining long-term housing options, as well as becoming an active member of their community. DENS services are not limited to those who are homeless, but also to those who are vulnerable, socially excluded or facing poverty; on the edge of homelessness.

Your donation will help DENS continue to provide their incredible integrated services such as their short-term accommodation at The Elms (44-bed Hostel), emergency food supplies and household provisions from their foodbank, a day-time haven, hot shower and a hot meal at their Day Centre, and affordable furniture for the community at their Warehouse.

Their Move On service provides people with next-step accommodation from the Elms, supporting them for up to 18 months in shared housing, and helping them to develop the skills and confidence to live independently and manage a tenancy.

They are constantly seeking to develop the service they provide including developing Social Enterprises such as The Elms Coffee Cart and a Bike Repair and Refurbishment project. These activities will not only generate income to support their work but will also help people develop work and life skills.

DENS can do none of the above without support from amazing people like you. Your money will help DENS continue providing support through their services and helping more people to rebuild their lives.

Thank you very much, your donation is much appreciated by me and by the amazing people at DENS.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.