Daring lido swimmers ready to brave the elements to help the homeless
This winter the national homelessness charity Crisis is calling for hundreds of swimmers to brave the icy waters of Brockwell Lido to help raise money for people experiencing homelessness.
Fundraisers who dive head first into their Icebreaker challenge will also reap the rewards of cold-water swimming as evidence suggests it can benefit both our mental and physical health.
The challenge at the pool in Brockwell Park, Herne Hill, will take place next Saturday – December 7 – from 9:45am, with everyone welcome to join the fun.
Participants can either join the event solo and swim a width of the pool, or team up with friends and race in the relay. With registration costing £15, all money raised will go towards Crisis’ mission to end homelessness in Great Britain.
Crisis’ Icebreaker challenge is vital in helping the charity raise awareness and support for people facing homelessness, both at Christmas and all year round. This year 4,780 people were forced to sleep rough in London between July and September – a significant increase of 18 per cent on last year.
In the capital, Crisis will be providing hotel accommodation to hundreds of people who would otherwise be sleeping rough this Christmas, as well as opening three day centres for people stuck in insecure accommodation – such as hostels and B&Bs.
The services will offer warmth, companionship and vital support to those experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of year.
Rob Halkyard, executive director of fundraising at Crisis, said: “Whether you decide to tackle our Icebreaker challenge alone or take the icy plunge with friends, you will be helping someone begin their journey out of homelessness this winter.
“No one should be forced to spend night after night on our streets, sofa-surfing or stuck in mouldy B&B’s with no end in sight. Yet more than a quarter of a million households across Britain will be experiencing the worst forms of homelessness this Christmas. That’s why the need for our services at Christmas – and all year round – has never been more important.
“Thanks to our brave and generous fundraisers we will be able to support people in to find their own stable home, access education and healthcare, and rebuild their lives away from homelessness for good.”
Registration for the Icebreaker challenge is also open for people who would prefer to organise their own cold-water challenge.
For more information and to register for a place, please visit https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-
Pictured top: Making waves for Crisis at a previous event (Picture: Crisis)