Light Up the Night to Tackle Youth Homelessness

Join SASH’s Neon Walk for Change in York this World Homeless Day.

This World Homeless Day, Friday 10th October, local youth homelessness charity Safe and Sound Homes (SASH) is inviting the York community to glo out in style and take part in the Neon Walk for Change - a vibrant, family-friendly 5km walk to raise awareness and funds for young people facing homelessness.

Starting from the Innovation Centre at the University of York at 6:30pm, supported by YorkMix the evening comprises of live entertainment, music, a glowing neon warm-up, and refreshments. Walkers set off on the circular 5km neon walk at 8:30pm. Along the neon route participants will be able to enjoy a variety of glowing musical performances.

“The SASH Neon Walk for Change is a new event this year, holding it on World Homeless Day is the perfect time to come together and show young people that their community cares and there’s support available for them.” said Aimee Harding, Community Fundraising Officer at SASH. “Whether you’re walking solo, with friends, family, or your glow-in-the-dark dog, every step helps us provide safe, stable accommodation for young people in need.”

Event Highlights:

• Date: Friday 10th October 2025

• Time: Arrive from 6:30pm for entertainment and neon warm-up. Walk begins at 8:30pm

• Start Location: Innovation Centre, University of York – parking is free

• Distance: 5km - suitable for all fitness levels and wheelchair and pushchair friendly

• Entry Fee: £15 per adult / £10 per child (ages 5+)

• Who Can Join: Individuals, groups, families (children over 5), and dogs on leads are welcome!

Why Walk?

The Neon Walk for Change raises vital funds to support SASH’s work preventing youth homelessness for 16 – 25-year-olds across York and North Yorkshire. SASH provides Nightstop emergency accommodation when a young person has nowhere else to go. And, Supported Lodgings, which is longer-term accommodation where a young person can stay with a host in their home for up to two years.

“Community events like this are vital for us. Every walker, every pound raised changes the lives of young people and helps us to prevent youth homelessness.’’ added Aimee Harding.

To offer safe accommodation and the support a young person needs to rebuild their life SASH needs to raise approximately £500,000 per year from supporters and donors within the communities.

Register Now

Get your glow sticks ready and sign up at: www.sash-uk.org.uk/event/sash-neon-walk-for-change

SASH provides emergency accommodation for young people facing homelessness at a time of crisis and longer-term accommodation within its supported lodgings scheme, across York and North Yorkshire. Its housing model uses the homes of a network of hosts. Many 16–25-year-olds achieve more within a stable home environment than within other housing options.

Supporting a young person facing homelessness to build a brighter future is as much about tackling the root cause of their homelessness as it is about putting a roof over their head. That’s why SASH provides an enhanced support programme to its young people that is focused around being emotional resilience and wellbeing, education, employment and training to develop life skills to enable them to live and thrive independently in the future.