Hi {FIRST NAME},

Welcome to the first Hike For Homeless countdown mailer!

Whether this is your first time taking part in Hike for Homeless, or you’re back for another year – welcome! We’re so excited to have you on board.

Over the next 8 weeks, we’ll be sending you handy updates, tips and encouragement to help you prepare for the challenge ahead. It’s not just about putting one foot in front of the other – it’s about stepping up for young people experiencing homelessness.

Every mile you walk and every penny you raise helps St Basils support young people across the West Midlands with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build a brighter future.

So lace up those walking boots – we’re in this together!

P.s, Don’t forget to forward this email on to your team members too. 

 

This week, we’re keeping things simple!

Take a look at your Enthuse Fundraising Page! It’s already been set up for you automatically, and you’ll find the link at the bottom of this mailer – and in every countdown mailer from now on.

Some teams like to personalise their page by changing the URL to reflect their team name – if that’s something you’d like to do, or if you’d like a hand updating anything on your page, just drop us a line at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk – we’re happy to help!

For now, we’d love you to open up your page, have a look around, add a profile picture and add to your bio too!

 

Happy Easter, from everyone here at St Basils!

We’d like to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Easter. We hope you get to enjoy a well-earned break (with plenty of chocolate!) and maybe even fit in a few sunny walks too. 

 

That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Hike For Homeless 2025. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please get in touch via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

 

P.s, If you need a recap of any details we’ve shared so far in our previous mailers, you can find everything you need here: Previous Supporter Mailers.

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

We hope you had a lovely bank holiday – whether you laced up your boots for some sunny training walks or simply enjoyed a well-earned rest.

Now that we’re 7 weeks away from the Hike, we wanted to take a moment to talk about the heart of this challenge – the reason we walk together every year.

Remember to foward this email to your team members! 

 

This week, we’re introducing you to St Basils…

Some of you might already know who we are – for others, this may be your very first time taking part in a St Basils event. Either way, thank you. Your support makes a real difference.

St Basils works with young people aged 16–25 across the West Mids who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. We help them find safe accommodation, improve their mental and physical wellbeing and help them access education, training or employment so they can move forward with their lives.

Homelessness can feel like a world away – but it can happen to anyone. And when we talk about it, we often use something called The Table Analogy. It’s a really simple, powerful way of showing how a young person’s support system – their home, their family, their work/education and their health – can start to collapse without warning.

We’d love you to take a couple of minutes to watch this short video.

🎥 Watch: The Table Analogy

You may never face the kind of challenges described here – but by taking part in Hike for Homeless, you’re walking in solidarity with those who do. 

 

Thank you again for stepping up and stepping out for young people.

As always, if you have any questions or need help, you can reach us at: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk

Team St Basils

 

P.s. Missed a mailer? You can catch up on everything we’ve shared so far right here: Previous Supporter Mailers

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

We hope you’ve had a lovely week and managed to enjoy some of the sunshine. If we’re lucky, we’ll get weather just like this for the Hike… hopefully a little cooler!

With just 6 weeks to go, it’s a great time to start getting excited for what’s ahead. This week, we’ve got a pawsome update to share with you, plus a small favour to ask.

 

This year’s hike is dog friendly!

We’re thrilled to let you know that this year’s Hike For Homeless is dog friendly! So if you’ve got a four-legged companion who loves the great outdoors, feel free to bring them along for the adventure in Bakewell.

Please remember that in some areas along the route, dogs will need to be kept on a lead – and as always, it’s important to be responsible and make sure you’re cleaning up after them too. 

 

A small task for this week…

Could you ask a friend, colleague or family member to join you on the day?

Whether it’s someone who loves a good countryside walk, or someone who just wants to do something meaningful – the more, the merrier!

Please if you can, invite them to sign up and create a new team, or join yours if you’re already walking as a group.

It’s a great way to make your hike more special, while also helping us raise even more to support young people facing homelessness across the West Midlands.

 

That’s it from us this week! As always, if you have any questions or need help with anything at all, feel free to drop us a line at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils 

 

P.s. You can find everything we’ve shared so far in your countdown mailers right here: Previous Supporter Mailers

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

We hope you had a lovely bank holiday weekend!

It’s been perfect pub garden weather lately (even if it’s starting to cool down now!), so this week felt like the right time to talk about the amenities you’ll have access to throughout the day.

Plus, we’ve set up a brand new Facebook Event for this year’s Hike – and we’d love for you and your whole team to join us there. More on that below!

Finally, if you haven’t received it already, check out this year’s Event Pack.

 

What To Expect On The Day…

Our start and finish line is inside the main building at: Agricultural Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell, DE45 1AH

A delicious breakfast will be available to purchase on the day, provided by local business, Farmers Feast.

On route, you’ll find two lovely pubs – The Wheatsheaf and The Robin Hood in Baslow – which we’ll be using as checkpoints. Both offer drinks and hearty pub meals if you fancy a mid-hike break!

Each checkpoint will also have free water, toilets and energy treats to keep you going. We do recommend bringing your own reusable bottle, along with any snacks you love to have on hand during a walk.

After you cross the finish line, we’d love for you to join us at The Peacock Pub in Bakewell – it’s just 150 yards from the finish and the perfect spot for a celebratory drink with fellow hikers!

 

A Small Task For This Week…

We’ve created a Facebook Event for this year’s Hike for Homeless, and we’d love for you and your team to join in! You can ask questions directly to St Basils staff, chat with other teams, offer tips, or get advice if it’s your first time joining us. It’s a great way to keep everyone connected and build some pre-hike buzz together.

Click here to join the Facebook Event – and please pass on the link to the rest of your team too!

 

That’s it for this week! Thank you again for being part of Hike For Homeless 2025. If you have any questions in the meantime, just pop us an email at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk – we’re always happy to help.

Team St Basils

 

P.S. You can catch up on previous mailers anytime over on our website: Previous Supporter Mailers.

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

The good weather is back – and with just 4 weeks to go until the Hike For Homeless, now’s the perfect time to get a few training walks in!

There are so many great walking routes to explore around the West Mids – from the Clent Hills and Lickey Hills, to Cannock Chase, Arrow Valley and the Waseley Hills. You don’t need to go too far to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful views.

It’s also a great week to test out your hiking boots. If you’re thinking of getting a new pair, now’s the time! Make sure to break them in over the next few weeks to avoid any blisters or sore feet on the day.

 

Let’s Talk Fundraising…

Right now, only 18% of teams are actively fundraising.

We know how much fun it is to take on this challenge with your team, but don’t forget – you’re not just hiking. You’re helping St Basils provide safe accommodation, wellbeing support, and access to education and training for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

If you haven’t already, please share your fundraising page with friends, family and colleagues – every share really does make a difference. You can find your fundraising page link, below.

Need to make a change to your page, like updating your team name or changing your URL? Just drop us a line at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk – we’re always happy to help!

 

A Small Task This Week…

We’ve drafted a little something you can DM your loved ones, or post on social media to help kickstart your fundraising. Feel free to personalise it and share it with your network! Each week, you can find the link to your fundraising page at the bottom of the mailer.

 

I’m taking on the Hike For Homeless with St Basils this June – a challenging walk through the stunning Peak District to help end youth homelessness in the West Midlands.

It won’t be easy, but it’s all for an incredible cause. St Basils supports young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing safe accommodation, wellbeing support, and access to education and training – helping each individual build a brighter future.

If you’re able to support me with a donation, I’d be so grateful. Thank you!

{INSERT FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK}

 

Thank you, as always, for being part of this journey. Every step you take is making a difference.

If you have any questions in the meantime, just give us a shout at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

 

P.S. Need a refresher? You can find previous countdown mailers here: Hike For Homeless Supporter Mailers

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

We hope you and the team are having a great week so far!

Firstly, a huge thank you to everyone who’s started sharing their fundraising page and collecting donations…

Last time we checked in, we told you that 18% of teams were actively fundraising. Now, that’s jumped to 31% – and we’re so grateful for every single pound raised so far.

But we know we can do more! So if you haven’t started fundraising yet, this week is the perfect time to share your page with friends, family and loved ones.

The hike is the challenge – but the biggest impact comes from the funds you raise. Every donation helps young people experiencing homelessness to feel safe, supported, and seen.

 

St Basils Outreach Team…

This week we want to talk to you about our Outreach team, who are on the front lines every day in Birmingham City Centre. They work to support young people who are sleeping rough or at risk of doing so.

They initiate contact with young people on the streets and help guide them into safe accommodation and support. Whether that’s accompanying someone to an appointment, helping them access benefits, or simply starting a conversation – our team are there, building trust, which can sometimes take months.

This is what your fundraising supports. You’re helping us take our services directly to the young people who need us most.

 

A Small Task This Week…

Whilst we’re on the topic, we’d love for you to watch a short video from Vanessa, the Team Leader for our Rough Sleepers Initiative. In it, she explains more about the vital work our Outreach team do every day:

🎥 Watch St Basils Outreach Video

Feel free to share this video alongside your fundraising page. It’s a powerful way to show why this challenge – and your support – truly matters.

You can find the link to your fundraising page at the bottom of this mailer.

 

That’s it for this week! If you have any questions or need support, please get in touch anytime via: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk

Team St Basils

 

P.S. Missed a mailer? Catch up anytime here: Hike For Homeless Supporter Mailers

 

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Apologies – due to a technical issue with the platform, some supporters didn’t receive last week’s “Two Weeks To Go” email for Hike For Homeless.

We’ve included it below so you don’t miss any important updates ahead of the big day.

Thank you for your understanding.

—

Hi {FIRST NAME},

It’s hard to believe, but there’s just two weeks to go until Hike For Homeless 2025!

Now is a great time to check back in with your Event Pack to make sure you and your team are fully prepped for the day. Please re-read the Terms & Conditions and if you haven’t already, share the pack with the rest of your team.

👉 Click here to access the Event Pack

 

Start Planning Your Journey…

It’s time to start thinking about your travel arrangements. 

The Hike will start and finish at: Agricultural Centre, Agricultural Way, Bakewell, DE45 1AH

Make sure to plan ahead and check your route, parking or public transport options in good time.

Below are the arrival times:

• Long Walk: Check-in opens at 8:00am
• Medium Walk: Check-in opens at 9:00am
• Short Walk: Check-in opens at 10:00am

If you’re struggling to arrange transport, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. St Basils is running a coach to and from the event. To purchase a ticket or to find out more, simply email our team: fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

 

A Small Task This Week…

To help spread the word and build momentum, we’ve created social media tiles you can use to show off your chosen distance. You’ll find them linked below.

Short Distance Social Tile

Medium Distance Social Tile

Long Distance Social Tile

Please pick your distance, post the tile to your socials, and tag St Basils so we can celebrate your efforts and share it with our community too!

Here’s a caption you’re welcome to use or personalise:

I’m tackling this year’s Hike For Homeless to help end youth homelessness in the West Mids.

Every penny raised goes to St Basils, who support young people with safe accommodation, mental health and wellbeing services, and access to education and training – helping them to build brighter, more secure futures.

If you’re able to, please consider making a donation to my fundraising page and help us reach our target: (INSERT YOUR FUNDRAISING PAGE LINK)

 

 

That’s it from us this week! As always, if you have any questions or need help with anything at all, feel free to drop us a line at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk.

Team St Basils

 

P.S. You can find previous countdown mailers here: Hike For Homeless Supporter Mailers.

 

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Hi {FIRST NAME},

It’s officially one week to go until the Hike For Homeless!

Looking ahead, the weather’s looking okay! A bit of a mix, but that might make for a pretty perfect walking experience. Not too hot, not too wet – fingers crossed.

 

With That In Mind… Let’s Get Prepared!

Now’s the time to think about what you’re packing. Here’s a basic list of things to consider:

• Comfortable, worn-in walking boots.
• Weather-appropriate clothing.
• A waterproof jacket – just in case!
• A reusable water bottle – there are water stops at every checkpoint!
• Plenty of snacks to keep your energy up.
• Plasters and blister pads – prevention is better than cure! At the first sign of rubbing, pop one on.
• Walking sticks (optional).

We want you to enjoy your hike and feel comfortable every step of the way – so a little prep goes a long way.

 

Your Social Share Reminder!

If you haven’t already, please download and share your Hike For Homeless social tile to proudly show off your chosen distance. Whether it’s on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or even in a group email – shout about what you’re doing and why!

Here are the links again:

• Short Walk Social Tile
• Medium Walk Social Tile
• Long Walk Social Tile

Tag us so we can reshare and celebrate your efforts with our community!

 

And Lastly… Fundraising!

The final week is the perfect time to push your fundraising, or to get started if you haven’t already. Share your page, talk to your loved ones, and let people know why you’re taking on this challenge.

The Hike is the challenge, but fundraising is the impact. Every donation helps St Basils provide life-changing support for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. From safe accommodation and wellbeing support, to access to education, training and employment – your support makes a real, tangible difference.

That’s all for this week! We’ll be in touch one final time next week with any last-minute updates – and a final peek at the weather forecast too.

If you have any questions in the meantime, feel free to drop us a line at fundraising@stbasils.org.uk – we’re always happy to help.

Team St Basils

 

P.S. Missed a mailer? You can catch up any time via our: Hike For Homeless Supporter Mailers

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