West Sussex charity Turning Tides reshapes annual Woolly Hat Day

The aim is to inject some fun into the popular event at a time when people are not able to take part in big groups, as they would usually.

There are four categories, kids in hats, pets in hats, team hats for organisations and businesses, and unique hat snaps, such as giant hats or famous hats.

Lucy Knowles, fundraising manager, said: “Woolly Hat Day is a much-loved, long-standing event for our 28-year-old charity. In previous years, whole schools, congregations and businesses would take part and we delighted in sharing photos from across West Sussex.

“While it still remains a vital fundraising event, this year we hope the competition and prizes will bring some much-needed light relief to everyone taking part.

“You can get creative and have fun, while abiding to the need to remain safe and adhere to current restrictions.”

The event, sponsored by Compass Travel Group, aims to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity, which supports homeless men and women, and all ages and family members can take part, even pets.

The charity says more and more people are needing its support as councils report a doubling in the numbers of people presenting as homeless for the first time.

It points out that for every rough sleeper, there are approximately 20 people experiencing hidden homelessness – sofa surfing, sleeping in cars, sheltering in squats, or living in temporary, unstable accommodation.

Woolly Hat Day for 2021 encourages people to engage their creative talents and have lots of fun with their photos, with a range of categories to enter.

The competition opened on February 1 and entries can be submitted up until midday on Friday, February 19.

Supporters are asked to make a donation to enter or to cast a vote. Visit www.turning-tides.org.uk/WOOLLYHATDAY for more information.