Dear DENS supporter,
In the Outreach team, we provide friendly, tailored support to those identified as rough sleepers throughout the local borough.
We offer access to any services our clients may need, with a focus on bringing them off the streets and into safe and stable accommodation.
Eric’s story
After an industrial accident left Eric unable to work, his life unravelled. A relationship breakdown followed and he found himself living in an old bus with only his dog, Max, for company, constantly worried about his safety.
A DENS Outreach Worker spotted the bus and gradually built trust with Eric. He was supported to access the Day Centre, Foodbank and healthcare, before moving into The Elms, our pet-friendly hostel and later a Move On property.
With ongoing therapeutic and resettlement support, Eric is improving his health, reconnecting with family and planning for a more stable, independent future.
Your gift of £20 could…
Provide a shower and a hot meal at our Day Centre for four people experiencing homelessness.
An incredible day at the London Marathon
It was an honour to cheer on all 19 of our amazing Team DENS runners last weekend – who conquered the ultimate 26.2-mile challenge in the capital!
We are extremely proud of their achievements. Not only for the impressive feat of endurance, but for collectively raising £65,000 (and counting) to help rebuild the lives of local people facing crisis.
Feeling inspired?
You could be there next year, experiencing the electric atmosphere and that thrill when you cross the finish line!
By joining Team DENS, you’ll receive dedicated support with your fundraising, a training plan, running tops and more.
Apply for a DENS charity place for the 2027 London Marathon
An exciting partnership
We’re delighted to have been chosen as Barratt Homes and David Wilson Homes’ Charity of the Year for 2026! Throughout the year, they will deliver fundraising and volunteering activities to support us. Plans currently include a golf day and a gala dinner, as well as staff volunteering days.
Wendy, DENS CEO, believes the partnership will “help us raise awareness, generate vital funding and support the delivery of our services to those who need them most in our local area.”
Make a summer plan you won’t regret
Sunny days are finally here, and summer is just around the corner!
Join us at Berkhamsted Castle on Sunday 14th June for stunning 5- or 10-mile routes and an unforgettable atmosphere – as you relish the great outdoors alongside hundreds of walkers in our community.
Secure your places today and give yourself something brilliant to look forward to.
Donate to our Foodbank
We’re running low on several food and household items that go into our Foodbank’s emergency parcels, including:
- Tinned peas
- Coffee
- Tinned ham/corned beef
- Shower gel
- Soap bars
Please donate what you can to help local families and individuals who are struggling with food poverty.
Last chance to take on the Hemel Hempstead 10k & 5k
There’s still time to experience the incredible atmosphere at Hemel’s only closed-road running event on Sunday 17th May.
Register with us for savings of up to £18, and there’s a handful of free DENS running t-shirts remaining (reserved for first 50 places).
But hurry, registration closes Thursday 7th May!
Introducing our Pet Advocate
We’re incredibly proud that our 44-bed homelessness hostel, The Elms, is a StreetVet Accredited Hostel. Through this scheme, pet owners at The Elms benefit from free access to veterinary care, monthly health visits and much more.
Elizabeth, our Hostel Accommodation Lead, plays a vital role as Pet Advocate – championing the human animal bond and ensuring animal welfare is at the highest standard.
