Fundraise with your local community

Whether you’re part of a local club, neighbourhood group, or just someone who wants to do some good, community fundraising is a brilliant way to help people experiencing homelessness right here in Southend.

At HARP, we know that big change starts with small actions, and when people come together, incredible things can happen. Every pound you raise helps someone move closer to a safe, stable home and inspires others to get involved too.

From a cosy coffee morning with friends to a lively quiz night at your local, there are loads of fun and meaningful ways to make a difference.

Tell us about your idea! Get in touch with Lucy

Whether you’re flying solo or planning something with your club or group, here are some great ways to raise funds and smiles:

Soup Night or Community Cook-Off

Bring everyone together for a hearty meal. Think potluck dinners, soup & storytelling evenings, or a light-hearted cooking competition! It’s tasty, sociable, and perfect for raising funds while feeding hearts and bellies.

Pet Show or Sponsored Dog Walk

We do everything we can to support people with their pets because nobody should have to choose between a home and their furry friend.
Host a waggy-tailed pet parade or a group dog walk with prizes for best dressed, waggiest tail, or most unusual pet. Invite donations, hand out rosettes, and enjoy the fluffiness!

Garden Cinema or Film Night

String up some fairy lights, pop some popcorn, and roll the film! A garden cinema, local hall screening, or movie night in your club space is a fun and easy way to bring people together. Donations on the door, snacks for sale, and maybe even a themed costume or singalong night?

Wellbeing & Skills Workshops

Are you a whizz at yoga, gardening, baking, crafting, or anything else? Share your skills with a one-off workshop or taster session and ask attendees to donate what they can. Great for clubs or individuals who want to give something back.

Games Marathon or Quiz Night

Host a board game bonanza, puzzle challenge, or classic pub-style quiz. Get competitive, offer a prize for the winners, and raise funds with a small entry fee per team or player. Bonus points for silly team names!

Mark World Homeless Day – 10th October

This is a powerful time to get your community involved. Hold a discussion group, local walk, or awareness event to reflect on the importance of home and support local people without one.

You’ve got the power to do even more! Whether you’re a long-standing organisation or a newly-formed group, here’s how you can make an impact:

• Rotary, Lions or Round Table – Pick HARP as your charity of the year or host a social fundraiser.
• Freemasons – Get your lodge involved in a fundraising event or match-funding scheme.
• WI, Soroptimists or Ladies’ Groups – A themed supper night or talk can do wonders.
• Sports & Social Clubs – Plan a tournament, race night or raffle. Winner gets bragging rights!
• Community Centres – Open your doors for donation drives, drop-ins or open mic nights.

Top fact: 98p of every £1 donated to HARP goes directly to helping people through our frontline services.

Fundraising can be practical too! Help us by collecting useful items instead of money:

• Toiletries & hygiene bits
• Long-life food & snacks
• Warm clothing, socks & underwear
• Sleeping bags & flasks

We’ll let you know what we need most and help arrange a drop-off.

We love sharing our work and stories. Lucy, our Community Fundraising and Engagement Coordinator (that’s me!), can visit your group to talk about HARP, homelessness in Southend, and how your support makes a real difference.

Contact us here to book a talk or chat ideas.

No matter what you do big or small, silly or serious your fundraising helps someone on their journey from crisis to hope.
We’re here to cheer you on, offer tips, and support you every step of the way.

Let’s make fundraising fun, local, and full of heart.

Ready to get started? Let’s do this!