Inspiring the next generation starts in the classroom.
At Helping Hands, we believe it is vital to engage students at a grassroots level – helping them understand the genuine issues surrounding trauma, homelessness, and mental health within their own communities. Supporting a local charity like ours not only builds empathy and awareness but also empowers young people to act and create positive change. Here are exciting and meaningful ways your school can get involved:
School Sleep Out
Give up your bed for one night – and change lives.
A School Sleep Out is a powerful way to raise awareness about homelessness while raising vital funds for Helping Hands. Students sleep in a safe outdoor or indoor space overnight to better understand the realities faced by people without a home. We will provide guidance, discussion materials, and fundraising tips to make it a meaningful learning experience for all involved.
Mental Health Walk
Step forward for mental health and healing.
Organise a sponsored walk to get students talking about mental wellbeing, resilience, and the impact of trauma. Choose your own route – around the school field, local park, or neighbourhood – and raise funds while encouraging open, healthy conversations about emotional wellbeing. Every step supports our trauma-informed services.
Wear Orange Day
Stand out. Speak up. Show support.
Join us on October 10th for World Homeless Day by hosting a Wear Orange Day at school. Ask students and staff to wear something orange and donate to Helping Hands. It is a simple, visual way to spark conversations, raise awareness, and show solidarity with those affected by trauma and homelessness in your community.
Harvest Festival Giving
Turn gratitude into action.
This Harvest, go beyond tradition by collecting essential items for people in need – non-perishable food, toiletries, warm clothing, and more. We will provide a list of most-needed items and help you organise a school-wide collection to benefit our clients. Your generosity during Harvest can bring warmth and relief to someone’s hardest days.
Book an Assembly Presentation
Let us bring the story to life.
Invite our team to deliver a powerful, age-appropriate assembly to your students. We will share real stories, explain the work we do, and highlight how young people can get involved. It is a fantastic way to inspire empathy, encourage action, and show the tangible impact of supporting local charities like Helping Hands. Contact us to organise this.
6th Former Breakfast Take Overs
Calling all Sixth Formers – it is time to take over breakfast for a brilliant cause! We are inviting teams of six students (accompanied by a member of staff or adult) to join our Breakfast Takeover initiative, where you will help prepare and serve a morning meal to individuals accessing our services. This hands-on experience offers a powerful insight into the realities of homelessness and the impact of community support, while helping students build teamwork, empathy, and real-world communication skills. To take part, we ask each student to raise £35, which goes directly towards our frontline work. It is a meaningful way to make a difference – before the school day even starts. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and serve up some hope?
“Bringing our sixth form students in for a breakfast takeover at Helping Hands was an incredibly valuable experience. It gave them a real insight into the challenges many people in our community face, and the importance of compassion, dignity and service. As a teacher, it means so much to support a local charity that is genuinely making a difference every day – and to watch our students grow in empathy, responsibility and awareness through hands-on volunteering.”
Sarah – 6th form teacher at local school
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Volunteering
Support your students to serve their community.
Helping Hands is proud to offer opportunities that count toward DofE volunteering hours. From organising bake sales to collecting donations or helping with awareness campaigns, students can build confidence and compassion while supporting a local cause.
“I never thought flour, sugar and a bit of love could help a charity – but here we are! Baking for Helping Hands has been the sweetest way to make a difference and tick off my DofE goals!”
Emily
Curriculum-Focused Initiatives
Make learning meaningful. Bring real-world impact into the classroom with Helping Hands-inspired projects linked to:
PSHE – Exploring homelessness, mental health, and empathy.
English – Writing persuasive texts or personal reflections on social issues.
Art – Creating visual campaigns or displays inspired by recovery and hope.
Maths – Designing and budgeting a charity fundraiser.
Geography – Understanding local housing inequality and urban challenges.
RE – Discussing compassion, dignity, and community support
These cross-curricular activities help students connect learning with action and discover their power to make a difference.
