Turning Tides’ much-loved annual Woolly Hat Day is back! We are calling on the community to don their favourite woolly hat and raise vital funds to support local people with no place to call home

You are all invited to take part – from schools and youth groups to businesses and congregations – on 10th February pull on your favourite woolly hat and donate to Turning Tides to help fund our vital services supporting local people experiencing homelessness. With a suggested donation of £3, why not swap your Friday coffee order for a donation?

We believe everyone has the right to a home to call their own. With escalating homelessness and the harshness of winter upon us, it becomes even more important that people have a safe, warm place to live.

Andy, a client supported by Turning Tides tells us, ‘I had nowhere else to go. I know people who have become homeless and lost hope, and I know how that feels. [homelessness] It is a very dark lonely place.’ 

As living costs increase food and financial poverty continue rise, more and more people are facing the trauma of homelessness. Our Day centres have seen a 100% increase in need in recent months. However, you can make a real difference, by supporting people experiencing homelessness through raising awareness and vital funds during this critical time for so many.

‘There are so many things to overcome. Getting water, getting food, and keeping warm can be really hard.’ Frank, who has slept rough and been supported by Turning Tides.

How can you help?

By wearing your woolly hat, sharing your photo across social media with the hashtag #WoollyHatDay2023, and by donating what you can you’ll be supporting Turning Tides’ life-changing services and making a real impact in your community.

Frank continues, ‘Its’ the ongoing support that makes all the difference. It is fundamental and helps people to keep moving forwards.’

The fundraised money will be crucial in supporting local people on their pathway out of homelessness. Crisis estimates that this year a staggering 300,000 households could be pushed into homelessness. Turning Tides’ volunteers and staff continue to ensure the safety and wellbeing of anyone without a home throughout West Sussex; hot meals are offered at our Community Hubs in Worthing and Littlehampton whilst Outreach workers scour the countryside across Horsham and Mid Sussex.

Why not get your school, workplace or team involved? Hold a competition to see who can wear the wackiest hat, host a woolly hat day bake sale, knit a hat, or get sponsored to wear yours. For the price of a coffee, you can make help bring your community in from the cold.

Commit to knit and help end homelessness near you this winter.

@turningtidesorg #woollyhatday2023

To find out more or to get your school, business or group involved please contact our Fundraising Team:

Email: fundraising@turning-tides.org.uk Phone: 01903 680740