Harrogate Homeless Project
Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.
Spring Spectacular Prize Draw
🌼 Introducing Our New Charity Partner: Swinton Estate
…and the launch of our Spring Spectacular Prize Draw!
Harrogate Homeless Project is thrilled to announce an exciting new charity partnership with Swinton Estate. This year‑long collaboration will raise vital funds to support people experiencing homelessness across the Harrogate District — and we’re kicking things off in spectacular style.
We are delighted to launch the Swinton Spring Spectacular Raffle, an exclusive prize draw giving you the chance to win one of three luxury Swinton Estate experiences, all generously donated by our new partner. Every ticket you buy helps us provide warmth, safety and support to people in crisis — making a real difference right here in our community.
🎟️ Play Today and Help Change Lives
For just £5 per ticket, you could win:
✨ Overnight stay Including Dinner for Two at Swinton Park
✨ Half Day Cookery School for Two at Swinton Park
✨ Weekday Spa Escape for Two at Swinton Park
Or make an even bigger impact — buy £40 of tickets and you could be giving someone who would otherwise be sleeping rough a warm, safe bed for the night.
Closing date: Saturday 20 June 2026
Draw date: Friday 26 June 2026
Entrants must be 18 or over.
👉 PLAY NOW and help end homelessness across the Harrogate District!
Play Now
1) Overnight stay Including Dinner for Two – A relaxing overnight stay at Swinton Park, with use of Swinton Country Club’s spa facilities throughout. Escape everyday life and enjoy a sumptuous dinner in either The Terrace or Samuel’s Restaurant (£55pp allocation), before heading for a night’s sleep in a beautifully appointed room at Swinton Park. Take an early morning dip in the pool before heading for a full Yorkshire breakfast.
2) Half Day Cookery School for Two – From beginners to professionals, Swinton Cookery School runs a busy programme of half-day practical cookery courses, available on both weekdays and weekends. From chocolate making, to artisan bread making, to French brasserie, there’s a course to suit everyone. Swinton Park Cookery School is located on the Swinton Estate, on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales. Our Half-Day Cookery Course is a morning class featuring the preparation of a three-course menu.
3) Weekday Spa Escape for Two – Enjoy a relaxing, half-day spa experience at Swinton Country Club. Your experience begins with a wellness pot of tea and includes two hours’ access to the full Swinton Country Club facilities, including the indoor pool, outdoor natural pool, hydrotherapy pool, Thermal Suite, Alfresco Spa, Spa Garden and wellness areas, Parkland and Gardens, and wild swimming lake. Choose a sublime 45-minute spa treatment based on your wellbeing needs. Select from an Indian head massage, Warm and Cosy Spa Ritual (hot stone massage and facial), manicure, pedicure, back-of-body massage or facial. Complete your weekday spa escape with traditional Afternoon Tea served in the opulent Drawing Room at Swinton Park Hotel. Available Monday to Thursday.
Introducing “Winston Swinton” — Joining HHP for a Year of Impact
As part of this exciting partnership, HHP is delighted to welcome a very special new team member: Winston Swinton, who will be joining the organisation as an honorary employee throughout the campaign.
Winston’s arrival marks the launch of a uniquely engaging fundraising initiative. Proceeds from Winston merchandise sales at Swinton —will be donated directly to support HHP’s vital services. This creative idea is already proving to be one of the standout features of the partnership.
Winston officially began his “role” at HHP on 1st April 2026, where he met HHP’s Chief Executive, Richard Cooper on his first day and began helping raise awareness across the community. Supporters can follow Winston’s year-long journey as part of the campaign, with more fun developments to come.
“When offered this job, I accepted straight away, I didn’t paws for a second! Please follow my journey throughout the year on HHP and Swinton Estate social channels”
🌟 More to Come…
This raffle is only the start. Swinton Estate has lined up a full calendar of fundraising events throughout the year — from wild swimming in June and entry into the charities Big Sleepout in October, to festive celebrations and an exciting partnership celebration in March 2027. There’s so much more to follow, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Thank you for your support — and good luck!
“Getting a bed at HHP changed everything for me. Before that, I was exhausted all the time—cold, scared, and never really able to switch off. The first night I slept in a real bed, with a door that locked and people who cared just down the hall, I finally felt safe. That one night of proper rest gave me the strength to start sorting my life out. It’s amazing how much clearer things become when you’re not worrying about surviving until morning.” (Former Client at HHP)
Thank you for taking the time to read our update and for your continued support – we couldn’t do it without you!
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Spring 2026 Newsletter Harrogate Homeless Project
Building Stability, Restoring Hope – Together
Thanks to your generosity last year, we were able to refurbish all of our hostel rooms for the first time in over a decade. These rooms have supported hundreds of people over the years, and the wear and tear reflected their heavy use. Thanks to your support, they are now safe, comfortable, dignified spaces once again — places where people can begin to rebuild their lives. Read more about our new Bedroom Sponsorship Initiative later in this newsletter to see how your continued support will help us keep our accommodation to the standard our clients deserve.
We were also truly overwhelmed by the incredible generosity shown through our Christmas Appeal. Your support has enabled us to begin the year with confidence, knowing we can continue providing the essential help that people facing homelessness in our community so greatly deserve.
As we look forward, we are now embarking on the next phase of our mission: creating long‑term, sustainable change in the lives of the people we support. To do this, we are significantly expanding the on‑site support we provide in five critical areas:
- Mental and physical health
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Financial management
- Education, training and work readiness
- Relationship and family support
These are the foundations a person needs not just to survive homelessness, but to move beyond it — to build independence, security, and a future they can truly look forward to.
This month marks an important milestone. We have welcomed a mental health counsellor to our day centre for six hours a week, thanks to a new partnership with North Yorkshire Council. While this may seem like a small step, it is a vital one. Crisis reports that over 80% of people experiencing homelessness struggle with poor mental health, and having support available where our clients already feel safe and known can be life‑changing. As funding allows, we plan to expand this provision further.
Without skills and support in these areas, and after years living on the streets or in shared accommodation, it is difficult for someone to turn their lives around and hold down long-term independent accommodation. Even though we work closely with partners like the NHS and the council, providing these services at our day centre and our hostel where our clients are is expensive. Your continued support makes these vital long-term sustainable changes possible.
Thank You
Richard Cooper, Chief Executive
Jamie’s Story
Jamie’s story is a powerful example of the long‑term impact Harrogate Homeless Project can have on someone’s life. Jamie first came to HHP at 19 after a family breakdown left him with nowhere to go. Over the next decade, he faced repeated periods of homelessness, unstable work and major personal challenges. Each time, HHP was there to offer safe accommodation, guidance and encouragement to help him rebuild.
With determination — and the right support at the right moments — Jamie found stability, became a father, secured housing and recently reached a huge milestone: gaining permanent employment at Tesco after a year out of work. He is now thriving, saving for a larger home and looking forward to having his children stay overnight.
Jamie says, “The staff always listened and understood. Springboard was the one place I could feel safe and supported when I needed it most.”
Jamie’s journey hasn’t been easy, but it is a powerful reminder of what perseverance, kindness, and the right support can achieve.
To read more about client stories click here
Sponsor A Room – Change A Life!
We are excited to launch our new Bedroom Sponsorship Initiative — a powerful way for local businesses to make a direct and lasting impact on the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
Our hostel’s 16 bedrooms provide safety, dignity and stability every single night, but keeping them warm, clean and welcoming requires constant care. By sponsoring a room for £1,000 a year, businesses help fund essential maintenance, refurbishment, furnishings, deep cleaning and on‑site support. With occupancy consistently above 90%, this initiative ensures that every person arriving at our door has a calm, private space to begin rebuilding their life.
As one client shared, “Having a clean, private room gave me the stability I needed to focus on getting help. It gave me hope.”
This programme allows supporters to play a tangible role in that transformation — right here in Harrogate.
Moda Group has become the first business to sign up as a Room Sponsor — a partnership that feels especially meaningful following their significant involvement in the hostel’s refurbishment last summer.
For further information visit us here and complete an expression of interest form, or contact nicola@hhphostel.org for an informal chat.
Volunteer With Us and Help Make a Real Difference
At Harrogate Homeless Project, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Their time, skills, and kindness help create a warm, welcoming environment for the people who rely on us every day. As demand for our services grows, we’re looking for new volunteers to join our team and make a meaningful impact right here in our community.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
🍽️ Kitchen Volunteers
Help prepare and serve meals at our day centre, creating a friendly space where clients can enjoy a warm meal and good conversation. No professional experience needed—just enthusiasm and a willingness to help.
🔧 Handy Person Support
If you’re practical and enjoy fixing things, we’d love your help with small repairs, basic maintenance and keeping our hostel spaces in good condition. Your skills make our accommodation safer and more welcoming.
☕ Teatime Reception Volunteers (Hostel)
Offer a warm smile and a friendly presence at the hostel during teatime hours, 5-7pm week days. This role helps create a calm, reassuring atmosphere and provides clients with support at one of the busiest parts of the day.
Every hour you give helps someone take a step toward stability, confidence and independence. If you’d like to join our volunteer community, we’d love to hear from you!
To find out more get in touch here – volunteer@hhphostel.org / 01423 566900
Exciting Fundraising Events Coming Up!
We’re thrilled to share a few key dates for your diary as we look ahead to another fantastic year of community fundraising in support of Harrogate Homeless Project.
Save the Date – The Big Sleepout Returns!
Our third Big Sleepout will take place on Thursday 1st October, once again in partnership with Saint Michael’s Hospice, Harrogate Rugby Club and Harrogate Spring Water. This much‑loved event promises another memorable night of community spirit, awareness‑raising and vital fundraising for two hugely deserving local causes. We’d love you to join us as together we make a big impact by giving up our beds for one night.
For further information or to express your interest, get in touch with Nicola today at nicola@hhphostel.org
So Bar’s – Eat out to Help Out
So Bar has launched an ‘Eat out to Help Out’ scheme at its venues in Harrogate and Knaresborough, to help support the work of Harrogate Homeless Project. This initiative will run on the last Thursday of every month, the next one taking place on Thursday 26th March.
As part of the scheme, So Bar has created a set two-course menu priced at £19.95. For every meal sold from this menu, £5 will be donated directly to Harrogate Homeless Project.
Please do come along and support if you can!
Rudy’s Fundraising Evening – Saturday 11th April
We’re thrilled to be partnering with Harrogate’s newest pizza hotspot, Rudy’s Pizza, for their very first charity fundraising night — and you’re invited!
Join us on Saturday 10th April at Rudy’s Harrogate for an evening of delicious, authentic pizza, great company, and community spirit. Even better, 100% of all food and drink proceeds from the night will be donated directly to Harrogate Homeless Project.
To find out more or to book your table, please contact:
📧 Kasim Hamid – Kasim@rudyspizza.co.uk
🏃 Take On a Challenge in 2026
If you’re looking to get active this year, don’t miss our wide range of runs and challenge events, offering discounted entry fees on some local events!
Considering Leeds Running Festival at Roundhay Park Run in April? Look no further! Click here to get £15 off your registration fee.
Or take a look at the other destination events on our website. Whether its running, open water swimming, Tough Mudder or some family fun at Inflatable Leeds – sign up for a different challenge this year and raise funds in our name!
Contact marian@hhphostel.org for further information – we would love to support you and showcase your achievement!
“Thank you for being there when I had nowhere else to turn. Your support has helped me rebuild my life step by step.” (Ex-Client at HHP)
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About Us
In the heart of Harrogate, where elegant streets and bustling cafés frame the town’s charm, there’s another story quietly unfolding — one of compassion, resilience, and community.
For more than 30 years, the Harrogate Homeless Project has been there for people with nowhere else to turn.
Founded in 1992, the charity began with a simple belief: that no one in the Harrogate District should face homelessness alone. What started as a small, determined effort has since grown into a cornerstone of local support — offering warmth, safety, and a genuine chance to start again.
Much of the work happens across two central sites: the Springboard Day Centre and the Harrogate Homeless Project Hostel, both just a short walk from the town’s bus and train stations.
At Springboard, mornings begin with the smell of coffee and the quiet hum of conversation. Visitors come through the door not just for a meal — though the cooked lunches are a lifeline — but for connection, dignity, and a sense of belonging. There’s a GP who drops by, laundry and washing facilities for those without access to basics, and a steady stream of donations: coats, toiletries, clean socks. Here, practical help and human kindness go hand in hand.
A few streets away, the Hostel offers something even more profound — the chance to rebuild. Its 16 beds provide safe accommodation, but it’s the support that makes the real difference. Staff work closely with residents to create personal plans, tackling everything from mental health and addiction to employment and housing. The aim is simple but powerful: to help people move from crisis to independence, one achievable step at a time.
Behind it all stands a team of professionals and volunteers bound by empathy and expertise. They bring warmth without judgment, structure without pressure, and above all, belief — belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
Volunteers play an especially vital role. They come from all walks of life, bringing skills as diverse as their stories: some cook meals, others mentor, manage donations, or simply offer a listening ear. Their presence reminds everyone involved that this is truly a community effort — and that change is possible when people care enough to act.
For over three decades, the Harrogate Homeless Project has stood as a quiet but unwavering force for good. In every meal served, every conversation held, and every life rebuilt, it tells a single, powerful story: that hope lives here.
Harrogate Homeless Project
Who We Help
At the Harrogate Homeless Project, we support single people aged 18 and over who are experiencing homelessness in the Harrogate District.
To access our longer-term accommodation, you’ll need to have a local connection to the area — this means you’ve either lived here for at least six months, have close family nearby, or are in permanent employment locally.
If you don’t have a local connection, we can still help. We offer emergency accommodation and reconnection support, working with you to find safe housing and services in areas where you have stronger links.
Please note: we’re unable to accommodate dogs at this time.
Who We Cannot Help
We don’t believe in automatic exclusions.
Everyone’s situation is unique, and we’ll always do our best to assess each person individually and offer the right support wherever possible.
Our Accommodation
Our hostel in central Harrogate offers a safe, mixed-gender environment for up to 16 residents, aged between 18 and 99.
The building is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and each resident is supported by a key worker who helps create a personal plan for moving towards independent living.
We also work closely with partner organisations to offer additional help for those facing substance misuse challenges or offending backgrounds, ensuring everyone receives the right care and guidance to rebuild their lives.
Getting a Referral
You can be referred to us through Harrogate Borough Council, or you can refer yourself directly.
Referrals are reviewed carefully to make sure we can provide the right type of support for your needs.
Length of Stay
Our support is flexible.
Some people stay with us for just one night in an emergency, while others remain for up to two years as they work towards full independence and stable housing.
Find Us
Our hostel and day centre are both located in central Harrogate, just a five-minute walk from the bus and train stations, making it easy for anyone to reach us.
Harrogate Homeless Project
Upcoming events and training
Learn about the latest practice and network with other homelessness practitioners. Take a look at our upcoming conferences, webinars and training. Use the filters to find what you are most interested in.
For all our learning and development opportunities, please go to homeless.org.uk/training
Refine your search
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Every gift, large and small, supports the services local homeless adults need to help them towards a life off the streets.
£15 will provide a hot meal, for one person 5 days a week at our Day Centre, Springboard.
Donate by Standing Order
Standing Orders allow us to plan and budget our services more effectively.
Click Here to Donate Monthly >
How much would you like to donate?
£15 Food for a week
£40 A night off the streets
£75 Supporting Clients
£150 New Home Starter Pack
Continue
- Welcome to our latest newsletter update – Autumn 2025Our Autumn update invites you to find out more about your local homeless charity by welcoming you along to an open afternoon marking World Homeless Day on 10th October. Please come along if you are able, we would love to provide you with further information on what we are doing to support homelessness in Harrogate. This latest update highlights our new move on property in Starbeck, and the positive difference you helped us to achieve with our hostel renovation project. Our calendar of upcoming events and activities are showcased, including an opportunity to sign up to our Big Harrogate Sleepout event, and to support our autumn appeal by helping fund the cost of keeping someone off the street for a night. Please download a copy of our Autumn Newsletter 2025If you would like to sign up to our quarterly email updates, please sign up here!View our privacy policy here.
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Trauma-Informed: Theory and Principles
An introductory course for frontline staff exploring Complex Trauma and Trauma-Informed approaches.
OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
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Housing Options for Non-UK Rough Sleepers
This training is for those working with non-UK rough sleepers to look at the housing options which may be available.
OnlineFree, London-based organisations only
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Housing First: managers’ learning network
This series of four workshops is designed specifically for managers of Housing First services. The series will cover approaches to measuring success beyond conventional outcomes, supporting staff through supervision and reflective practice, and advocating for systemic change.
OnlineMembers £195pp, Non-Members £235pp
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CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services
onlineFor Homeless Link members: £1095. For non-members: £1360. Some subsidies are available. See information page.
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London PLUS: An Introduction into System Thinking
London PLUS is hosting introductory workshops to equip professionals with key systems principles and how to apply them within your team.
Calthorpe Community Garden 258-274 Grays Inn Road London WC1X 8LHFree
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Health and Homelessness Conference: The Unhealthy State of Homelessness
Join expert speakers and sector colleagues to consider links between health and homelessness, hear the latest data, and share good practice.
America Square Conference Centre – London (EC3N 2LB)From £185
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Criminal Justice and homelessness
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OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
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In-Form Product Roadmap
Join us for an exclusive session where our product team will share the In-Form roadmap
OnlineFree
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Homelessness: an introduction
This course is ideal for anyone new to working in the homelessness sector, or for those who are looking to improve their awareness of homelessness.
OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
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Keyworking: person-centred and creative
This course will give you the knowledge and understanding to develop your keyworking approach, with a focus on motivation, engagement and creative problem-solving. It will help you to respond creatively to non-engagement and ambivalence about change, using different strategies to achieve a person-centred and strengths-based approach to keyworking.
OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
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Anti-social behaviour: management and prevention
Develop your understanding of what is available to prevent and tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) including how to empower clients to manage their behaviour and acquire skills for social living.
OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
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Homelessness Law, Practice and the Homelessness Reduction Act
Develop your understanding of the statutory duties the people you support may be owed by Local Authorities, including the duties of the Homelessness Reduction Act.
OnlineMembers £135pp, Non-Members £175pp
