Crisis, the national charity for people experiencing homelessness, is calling for hundreds of brave swimmers to take on their Icebreaker challenge and take a winter dip in the freezing waters of Brockwell Lido to raise money for people experiencing homelessness this winter.
The annual Icebreaker challenge will be taking place from 11am at Brockwell Lido on Saturday 2nd December. 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.
Participants at the Brockwell Icebreaker event at last year
The event is being held after another year of rising homelessness in London and across the country – with over 4,000 people forced to sleep rough between July and September this year in the capital. Crisis’ annual Icebreaker challenge is vital in helping the charity raise awareness and support for people facing homelessness, both at Christmas and all year round.
In the capital, Crisis will be providing hotel accommodation to over 590 people who would otherwise be sleeping rough this Christmas, as well as opening three day centres for hundreds of people stuck in insecure accommodation – such as hostels and B&Bs.
Crisis’ services will offer warmth, companionship, and vital support to those experiencing homelessness at one of the toughest times of year. For the thousands of people who are supported by Crisis at Christmas every year, the services and support offer the first step in helping them build a life beyond homelessness.
Rob Halkyard, Executive Director of Brand, Marketing and Fundraising at Crisis, said: “This year, many families and individuals across Britain will experience the worst forms of homelessness, including sleeping on the streets, spending night after night on friends and families’ sofas or being stuck in crowded B&Bs and hostels. Others will be worrying about how they’re going to pay their rent as rising financial pressures push more and more to the brink.
“But it doesn’t have to be this way. Crisis is there both at Christmas and all year round to support people across Britain to rebuild their lives away from homelessness, through helping people to find their own stable home as well as access education and training. Whether you decide to take the icy plunge alone or make a splash with your friends with our Icebreaker challenge, you can help someone begin their journey out of homelessness this winter.”
As well as helping to raise vital funds for Crisis, Icebreaker participants can also benefit from cold water swimming, with evidence suggesting it can help with mental and physical health. Many people have found that it can also aid their bodies to deal with stress, while endorphins leave them with a post swim high.
Registration is also open for people who would prefer to organise their own cold-water challenge. Crisis is encouraging people to join the Do It Yourself (DIY) challenge and take the plunge however they like, wherever they are.
For more information and to register for a place, visit https://www.crisis.org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/crisis-icebreaker/
