Picture of participants cheering before the dip

Dare to Dip! A cold water challenge

Every 4 minutes a young person faces homelessness. Will you join us and show them they aren’t alone?

Sign up today

If you believe that no young person should go through the fear and insecurity of homelessness, then get ready to take the plunge and pledge your support with a cold water dip.

Where can you dip?

  • Your local lido or outdoor pool
  • A lake, reservoir or wild swimming spot
  • The sea - a beach, harbour or cove
  • A river with safe, supervised access
  • A cold plunge tub

By taking to the water for up to 4 minutes, you'll be highlighting the reality faced by young people in the UK. Take on the challenge and help raise funds for safe housing, one-to-one support and more.

£100 would fund 5 counselling sessions for a vulnerable young person, ensuring those experiencing a mental health crisis receive the life-changing support they need.

Once you raise £20 to your Justgiving page, we'll send you a Centrepoint branded T-shirt!

Take the Plunge

Prefer to take part in an organised dip? 

Let us know! Register your interest and we'll keep you in the loop with Dare to Dip events in your area.

Stay updated

Two people dipping and high fiving

Take on a Cold Water Dip

Sign up today and we'll send you everything you need to know, from safety tips to fundraising advice. And our dedicated team will be on hand to answer any questions along the way.

After your dip of 4 minutes or less, make sure to wrap up warm with a hot drink and something to eat. If you're bringing others along, having someone on the sideline ready with towels and a flask is a great way to get them involved too!

Take the Plunge
Participants swimming in water with thumbs up

How it works

Taking on your dip is easier than you think. Here's all you need to do:

  • Pick your spot - a lido, lake, beach, or any safe outdoor water near you
  • Choose your day - any time until April, whenever suits you
  • Read our safety guidance - we'll send it straight to your inbox when you sign up
  • Share your challenge - post on social media and inspire others to join you
  • Start fundraising - every pound you raise makes a real difference
Take the Plunge
Participant in the water

Health and Safety Guidance and Terms and Conditions

Cold water challenges can be exciting and a lot of fun when done safely. For your safety, you must read our important safety guidance before taking on your challenge.

Read Terms and Conditions
A young person stands smiling with hope in the street

The difference you could make

Centrepoint is the UK's leading youth homelessness charity, supporting over 15,000 young people every year. By taking on a Dare to Dip and fundraising for Centrepoint, you'll be helping young people gain the skills they need to overcome past trauma and reach their full potential.

Money raised will help to fund things like:
- Safe housing
- One-to-one support
- Access to counselling, education, training and employment opportunities
- A national helpline for those in crisis
- Outreach work
- Campaigns that address the root causes of youth homelessness

With your support, we can end youth homelessness.

Sign up today

Questions?

Who can take part?

  • Anyone over 18 can take part, as long as they are in good mental and physical health. Those with heart conditions, circulatory or respiratory conditions (including asthma), a history of fainting, seizures or cold shock, are pregnant, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs should not take part. We’ll send you a full guidance document which contains more information.

How does this help young people facing homelessness?

  • Every dip shows support for young people and highlights the challenges faced by a young person. We suggest asking participants to pay a registration fee to cover your costs and fundraise for Centrepoint.

What will participants need?

  • Warm layers for after their dip. Loose, easy-to-put-on clothes work best, including a warm jumper or coat, hat and thick socks.
  • A towel and something dry to stand on.
  • A warm, non-alcoholic drink, such as a flask of tea, coffee or hot chocolate.
  • Appropriate footwear such as water shoes, old trainers or sandals for getting in and out safely.
  • A bright swim hat (recommended for open water).

For more information, please visit our Fundraising FAQs page or get in touch at events@centrepoint.org

Other ways to get involved

You don't need to do a full dip to make a difference:

  • Do your own dip – Take a cold water dip for any amount of time and fundraise on your own (remember: never dip alone - always have someone watching for safety)
  • Sponsor a dipper – Support a friend, family member or colleague who's taking the plunge
  • Spread the word – Share the campaign on social media to raise awareness of youth homelessness