Everyone deserves a safe, secure and affordable home
Shelter was formed in 1966, in response to the housing issues facing the UK. Now, 60 years on, Shelter continues to help millions of people every year struggling with unsafe housing or homelessness through their advice, support, campaigning and legal services.
The UK is facing a housing emergency
- Thousands of people sleep on the streets on any given night;
- Thousands of people are homeless, stuck in temporary accommodation, such as hostels and B&Bs sometimes for years on end due to the lack of affordable housing;
- Millions of people are impacted by the housing emergency – living in overcrowded, dangerous, unstable or unaffordable housing
Key Priorities
- Securing a new generation of social homes which are truly affordable
- Strengthening and enforcing the right to a safe home for all
- Building a coalition to secure long-term change
How you can get involved
The housing emergency in the UK continues to have a devastating impact on individuals, families, and communities. That’s why we’re joining the movement to bring hope and help to those affected.
We’re looking forward to seeing what our amazing members will be taking part in throughout the year to fundraise — and you can help make a difference too!
Take part in a fundraising activity
Together, we can help end the devastating impact the housing emergency has on people and our communities.
Over 15 years of Foresters annual appeals
Since 2007, we’ve raised over £1,000,000 for charitable causes of all kinds. Thank you so much – and long may it continue.
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2025/2026: Alzheimer’s Society
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. They give vital support to those who need it, fund groundbreaking research, and campaign to improve experiences. They’re here for everyone affected by dementia – people living with the condition and those who care for and support them, including family, friends, neighbours and colleagues. It will take a society to beat dementia.
Over
£61,000
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2024/2025: The Rivers Trust
The Rivers Trust was established in 2004 as a central body for the Rivers Trust Movement, whose 60+ Rivers Trusts work to protect and improve rivers for us and for future generations. The Rivers Trust are conservation experts with a wealth of data and expertise at their fingertips. They work with member trusts to make their shared vision a reality: wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all.
Over
£55,000
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2023/2024: Youth Sport Trust
Youth Sport Trust is a children’s charity founded in 1995 to harness the power of play and sport in children’s education and development. The charity equips educators and empowers young people with the vision of creating a future where every child enjoys the life-changing benefits of play and sport. Our branches have also donated an additional £12,000 to sponsor local youth sports clubs.
Over
£85,000
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2022/2023: Foresters Heritage Trust
The Foresters Heritage Trust is an independent charity, established in 2005, that looks after the many items that tell the story of Friendly Societies and their history. Their vast archives capture the history of Friendly Societies and the Trust provides an accessible research enquiry service for those interested in understanding more about Friendly Societies and their heritage.
£58,000
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2021/2022: Christians Against Poverty
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) provide free debt help and local community groups for people in the UK, giving them the tools and support they need to break free from debt. CAP’s services provide practical and emotional support and show people that there is always hope.
Over
£58,000
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2019-2021: Rays of Sunshine
Rays of Sunshine brightens the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support within hospitals. They believe that every child deserves to experience happiness and put their illness on hold- even if it is just for one day.
£120,000
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2018/2019: RNID – Formerly Action on Hearing Loss
RNID, formerly known as Action on Hearing Loss is the UK’s leading charity supporting people with hearing loss, deafness and tinnitus. Not only do they provide support for those living with hearing losses, but they conduct research and sell hearing products.
Over
£60,000
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2017/2018: Air Ambulances UK
This is a wonderful UK charity dedicated to Air Ambulance Services. Its work ensures the best patient care is always upheld, and that these heroes of the sky are supported by a trade body.
Over
£70,000
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2016/2017: Canine Partners
This is a truly exceptional charity that transforms the lives of people living with physical disabilities by partnering them with assistance dogs. They bring independence, security, companionship, confidence and utter joy. Is there anything our four-legged friends can’t do?
£70,000
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2015/2016: Alzheimer’s Research UK
The UK’s leading research charity is dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. They fund a wide range of research projects so that, one day, people can be free from the fear, harm and heartbreak of dementia.
Over
£85,000
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2014/2015: Sense UK
Living with complex disability can be isolating, frustrating and confusing. Sense UK believes that whatever the circumstances, everyone should be able to fulfill their potential.
Over
£55,000
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2013/2014: Barnardo’s Children’s Charity
Every child deserves a chance to feel safe and loved. Barnado’s Children’s Charity has over 100 years’ experience of protecting and supporting the UK’s most vulnerable children. And, where they can, placing them with loving foster carers and adoptive families.
Over
£88,000
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2012/2013: Macmillan Cancer Support
It’s likely that every family will be touched by cancer at some point. This iconic charity provides physical, financial and emotional support to help people living with cancer get the most out of life.
Nearly
£60,000
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2011/2012: Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Guide Dogs have a simple ambition. It’s for a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence and support to live their lives to the full. Having a guide dog helps so much.
£100,000
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2010/2011: Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
Since it began in 1824, RNLI crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,200 lives. Isn’t that amazing? For people in trouble on the seas, having the RNLI watching over us is such a blessing.
Nearly
£70,000
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2009/2010: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a neurological condition that affects your nerves. It occurs when your immune system isn’t working properly. The Multiple Sclerosis Society offers emotional support, financial assistance and every day help for people living with the condition.
£65,000
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2008/2009: Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association
MND affects the nerves in the brain and spinal chord that controls your muscles. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with MND, or you have a friend or loved who has, their services can really make the world of difference.
Nearly
£60,000
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2007/2008: CLIC Sargent
Is there anything more heartbreaking than cancer impacting young lives? CLIC Sargent fights to make sure lives aren’t torn apart by offering day-to-day support, financial support and nursing teams. Their work is truly inspirational.
£47,000
