Housebuilder raises more than £110,000 for homelessness charity DENS at annual charity gala

Barratt David Wilson North Thames has raised more than £110,000 for Hertfordshire-based homelessness charity DENS at its annual Charity Gala on Friday 9 October.

The event brought together Barratt David Wilson North Thames staff, representatives from DENS, vendors and suppliers to raise vital funds for the charity’s work for people experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. Held at the Bloomsbury Ballroom in London, the evening featured a three-course dinner, cabaret entertainment, a charity auction and games, and was compered by DENS’ first official Patron, actor Adrian Scarborough.

Each year the Watford-based housebuilder hosts its annual gala in aid of its Charity of the Year – which in 2026 is Hertfordshire-based charity DENS. Founded in 2003 after seven local churches joined together to set up a winter shelter, DENS now provides a range of integrated services for local people who are facing crisis.

With the mission of “helping rebuild lives”, the support offered by DENS includes a 44-bed hostel for single homeless adults, a drop-in Day Centre and a Foodbank. Its community projects include a coffee shop and bike repair service to help people develop new skills and improve their employment prospects, while a Therapy Centre helps support long-term life changes.

Bill Beyzade, Managing Director at Barratt David Wilson North Thames, commented: “As a housebuilder, we understand the importance of providing safe, warm and comfortable homes. DENS works tirelessly to support people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity, and we are proud to support its vital work through our 2026 Charity Gala.

“We are immensely grateful to our suppliers and subcontractors for their generosity, which enabled us to raise such a significant amount in a single evening. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our charity committee, whose dedication, commitment and countless hours of hard work helped make the event such a success.”

Wendy Lewington, Chief Executive at DENS, said: “We are very grateful for the ongoing support of Barratt David Wilson North Thames. All the money so generously donated this evening will go towards creating a brighter future for the many local people who are experiencing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

“We say on an almost daily basis at DENS that we provide ‘more than a roof and a bed’. Through crisis intervention, skills development and resilience building, we empower people to take their next positive steps towards independent living, and we are delighted to have received so much support from Barratt David Wilson North Thames towards our work.”

To find out more about DENS visit www.dens.org.uk/.