The national charity Crisis is inviting Londoners to take part in an ice water challenge to raise money for people experiencing homelessness this winter.

The first ‘Icebreaker’ will be held at Tooting Bec Lido on Saturday 31 January 2026 from 10.30am, where participants can choose to take an icy dip, compete in a team relay or swim with an inflatable. The second event is at Parliament Hill Lido on Saturday 7 February from 9.30am.

With registration costing £15 each, all money raised will go towards Crisis’ mission to end homelessness in England, Scotland and Wales.

Research from the charity shows that more than 300,000 families and individuals across Britain are experiencing the worst forms of homelessness. This includes people having to sleep rough, sofa surf and stay in unsuitable temporary accommodation. In England alone, more than 15,000 people were forced to sleep on the streets in 2024.

Through its annual Christmas appeal, Crisis has provided hotel accommodation to hundreds of people in London who would otherwise have slept rough over December and January. It also opened three day centres in the capital for people to access vital support and advice. These services run in addition to the charity’s year-round work helping people without anywhere safe to live find suitable and stable housing, as well as healthcare and employment.

Andy Taylor-Whyte, Director of Brand, Marketing and Fundraising at Crisis, said: “We’re extremely grateful to our brave fundraisers who are starting the new year by taking an icy plunge. It’s a brilliant opportunity to help someone start their journey out of homelessness and to have fun and make new friends in the process. 

“This winter, more than 300,000 families and individuals across Britain are facing the worst forms of homelessness. With so many people forced to sleep out in the freezing cold, having to sofa surf or live in unsuitable temporary accommodation, our services are needed more than ever before. Thanks to our bold and generous fundraisers, we’ll be able to help more people find somewhere safe and stable to live, as well as access vital education and healthcare. And we still have more spaces available. 

“By signing up for the Icebreaker challenge solo or with your friends, you’ll be doing something courageous and helping someone to leave the trauma of homelessness behind good. Please do join us today in this great challenge to get 2026 off to a brilliant start.”

Click here to sign up for Crisis Icebreaker 2026.

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. 

-Ends-  

Notes to Editor 

About Crisis 

Crisis is the national charity for people facing homelessness across Wales, Scotland and England. We know that homelessness is not inevitable, and we know that together, we can end it.  

We provide services directly to people experiencing homelessness, carry out research into the causes and consequences of homelessness, and campaign for the changes needed to end it.  

You can contact the Crisis media team on 020 7426 3880, media@crisis.org.uk, or 07973 372587 (out of hours).