This year, I’m taking part in a “Sleep Out” to raise money for The One Love Project, a Southend-based charity that’s making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness and hardship.

The One Love Project began as a small night-time soup kitchen in a car park and has since grown into a registered charity providing year-round support from its Hollybrook site. Its mission is to improve quality of life by meeting basic needs such as food, clothing, and safe, non-judgemental space, while also supporting recovery from addiction, poverty, and mental health challenges through educational and therapeutic approaches.

While spending one night sleeping outdoors is not a true reflection of the daily struggles faced by those without a home, it’s a small gesture to raise awareness and vital funds for a cause that offers compassion, dignity, and practical help to people in need.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps The One Love Project continue its incredible work in supporting the local community.

Thank you so much for your support, it really does make a difference.