A Decade of Dedication: Jonathan Handford Joins 10th Annual Sleep Out for The Fine & Country Foundation

For the past 10 years, The Fine & Country Foundation has remained steadfast in its mission to combat homelessness. One event, in particular, has become a powerful symbol of that commitment - the Annual Sleep Out. In 2025, Jonathan Handford, Interim Managing Director of Fine & Country, once again braved the cold to raise vital funds and awareness for those in need.

What began as a grassroots initiative in Leamington Spa has grown into a movement. Over the past decade, these Sleep Outs have raised more than £10,000, with funds contributing to The Foundation’s broader efforts of collectively surpassing £1,000,000 in donations to homelessness charities across the UK.

Reflecting on the very first Sleep Out, Handford recalls: “Ten years ago, I spent a night sleeping rough on the streets of Leamington Spa. At 2am, the police rightly asked us to move along from the bandstand—we hadn’t planned it officially or done a risk assessment. But that night marked the start of something incredible.”

This year’s milestone 10th Annual Sleep Out took place on Saturday, 1st February, at the bandstand in Leamington Spa, with proceeds going to The Esther Project, an organisation dedicated to supporting vulnerable women facing homelessness and crisis situations.

The event provided the participants with a stark insight into life on the streets. Armed with little more than a cardboard box and a waterproof sheet, they spent the night exposed to the elements. For Handford, this year’s Sleep Out was particularly poignant. During the night, a young homeless woman approached the group, asking if she could stay with them to feel safe. “It was a stark reminder of why we do this. She was vulnerable, scared, and had nowhere else to go. That experience will stay with me forever and reinforces just how crucial these funds are.”

Founded by Lianne Kirkman, The Esther Project provides essential support for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles, domestic abuse, poverty, addiction, and isolation. The project offers safe accommodation and guidance, helping women rebuild their lives.

“The reason I keep coming back?” Handford reflects. “It’s the overwhelming generosity of others and seeing lives transformed. I’ve met people who’ve overcome addiction, found stability, built careers, and—most importantly—now have homes and families. Everyone deserves a place to call home. Every penny counts.”

As The Fine & Country Foundation continues its mission, this year’s Sleep Out serves as a reminder that small acts of compassion can create lasting change.

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