Trinity Marks 40 Years of Changing Lives

This year, Trinity celebrates 40 years of supporting people across Winchester who are affected by homelessness, social isolation and domestic abuse.

Founded in 1986, the charity has supported more than 10,000 individuals during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In 2009, Trinity moved into its purpose-built day centre at Bradbury House, creating a welcoming, non-judgemental space for anyone facing vulnerability.

In 2019, Trinity expanded into supported accommodation with the launch of Alleyne House, in partnership with Winchester City Council and community supporters. Today, Trinity provides 24 specialist supported housing units, offering a clear pathway from the street into a safe and stable home.

For many, Trinity’s impact is deeply personal – helping them feel less alone during times of crisis and empowering them to rebuild their lives with confidence. Throughout that journey, the team at Trinity stands alongside them every step of the way, offering consistent support, compassion and belief in their future.

“To reach 40 years is an extraordinary milestone,” said Sue McKenna, C.E.O. “It represents countless lives touched, and the dedication of our volunteers, staff, supporters, and partners. We are proud of our history, but even more motivated by the work still to be done”.

As Trinity looks ahead, its mission remains the same: to ensure no one faces homelessness alone.

To mark this milestone, Trinity is launching its “40 Ways to Support Trinity” campaign, including the annual Big Sleep Out, which anyone can get involved in! To find out more about this campaign click on the link below.

BIG SLEEP OUT returns

Trinity is excited to announce the return of their annual Big Sleep Out at Winchester Rugby Club.

Join us on Friday 19th June 2026 from 6pm for an eye-opening night spent sleeping in cardboard shelters to raise vital funds and awareness for our work supporting people experiencing homelessness and domestic abuse in Winchester.

The evening begins with local music and entertainment, delicious food, and creative activities, bringing our community together in a spirit of solidarity and support. From 10pm, participants will bed down for the night in homemade cardboard shelters in support of Trinity’s vital services.

Now in its 13th year, the Big Sleep Out plays a crucial role in sustaining our work. Every penny raised goes directly towards creating long-term, positive change for people in our community.

As Trinity marks 40 years of supporting Winchester, this year’s Big Sleep Out is a powerful opportunity to stand with us and make a lasting difference.

We ask that participants raise a minimum of £100 (£50 for under 18s). Anyone who raises £150 or more will get a free Big Sleep Out t-shirt! 

Find out more about this year’s sleep out here

The Big Sleep Out is not an experience of homelessness. We cannot replicate the harsh realities of sleeping rough night after night. Participants will return to the comfort of their homes the following morning, something that is not an option for thousands of people.

This event is a meaningful and challenging way to raise vital funds and awareness.

Record breaking Big Sleep Out raises vital funds and awareness for charity

Trinity Winchester’s Big Sleep Out on 16th May saw 160 individuals sleep out in the iconic grounds of Winchester Cathedral, alongside hundreds of attendees, to show their support for Trinity’s services for those experiencing the effects of homelessness and vulnerability.

The headline sponsors for the event were Appledown Projects. Entertainment was provided by Integr8 Dance, The Diva Academy, The Rock Choir, Boru Beats and 5hades of Grey. Delicious food was enjoyed by all from Arty Stan Pizza, The Hursley High Class Butcher, Trinity Treats homemade baked goods, and Lane Clark and Peacock attracted a crowd with their popular sweets stall. The wellbeing area this year included reflexology by Rachel from Rflxlgy, reiki by Paula from Reiki and Restore and hair braiding courtesy of Urban Green. Draper Tools, Embers Bushcraft and Pitter Self Drive also supported the event, and prizes were donated by Clue Capers, Everyman Cinema, B Outside Forest School and Nandos. The bedtime story was read by well-known actress Sarah Parish. The Mayor of Winchester, Sudhakar Achwal, The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Sue Elton and Simon Tufnell DL were placed to judge the Shelter Build Competition. Sue Elton, said ““There was an amazing atmosphere and some very creative buildings of shelters but at the forefront was the need to raise money to help address homelessness.”

Sue McKenna, Trinity’s Chief Executive, said “We are astounded and grateful to the hundreds of people who made this a momentous event. Trinity is seeing more clients than ever, and we will be able to put these funds back into our services to help those most in need. We are focused on preventing homelessness and ending the need to sleep on the streets. This is not an experience of being homeless, we cannot imagine the reality of sleeping rough as we will return to the comfort of our homes the following morning. We were humbled by huge fundraising efforts from our participants and so far, the event has generated an incredible £44,000 towards our vital services”.