Giving a Helping Hand- Leamington Based Charity Awarded for Fighting Homelessness
Written Libby Dovaston
Image: Warwickshire Police
The Helping Hands Community Project in Leamington has added another significant achievement to its growing list of successes. The honour recognises organisations that ‘demonstrate outstanding commitment to reducing vulnerability and supporting those facing hardship.’ This is an area where Helping Hands easily fufils these requirements and has become a crucial presence in the community.
Since opening its doors in 2015, Helping Hands have worked tirelessly helping countless people by providing a wide range of practical and emotional support services. Over the past year, the charity has continued to expand its offering, helping people facing homelessness, poverty, isolation and crisis. Their services include soup kitchens, dedicated men’s and women’s support groups, counselling and mentoring, and projects designed to help people rebuild confidence and skills.
At the heart of their mission is an unwavering commitment to dignity and inclusion. The organisation says it strives to “make everyone who comes through our door feel welcome, valued, and supported, no matter what their circumstances.”
Image: Helping Hands website
The need for services like these has increased significantly across Coventry and Warwickshire. Figures from Coventry City Council show an 85% rise in rough sleeping from 2023 to 2024. Emergency accommodation providers and outreach teams report receiving up to 200 enquiries per week, this reflects the ongoing pressures from the cost-of-living crisis and a shortage of affordable housing. Many households who have never previously required support are now approaching local authorities in distress, placing additional strain on existing services.
Image: Helping Hands Website
Lucy Kelly, a Trustee at Helping hands expressed her pride in receiving this award. “This is a fantastic achievement and we hope this award not only raises awareness of the vital work we do in the community, but also encourages more people to get involved. We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing team of staff, one hundred plus volunteers, donors and supporters. A huge thanks to them, to Police crime comissioner Philip Seccombe and Warwickshire Police for recognising our work, and to all those who nominated us.”
Kelly also noted how inspiring it was to be recognised alongside so many other outstanding organisations and individuals she said “We are so grateful to be part of a community filled with people who strive to make a positive difference locally,”
This fantastic award was presented by Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe at Coombe Abbey Hotel on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, and comes as a huge boost to the charity’s staff, volunteers and supporters. Warwickshire Police praised the team for their “incredible work” and highlighted the organisation’s role in strengthening community resilience and improving outcomes for vulnerable residents. Helping Hands stood out among an impressive group of nominees, all of who were celebrated for their dedication to making a positive local impact. As Helping Hands reflects on this recognition, the organisation remains focused on its long-term aim to ensure that vulnerable people across the region receive the support, stability and encouragement they need to build brighter futures.
To find out more of what Helping Hands do visit: