When the idea of organising a Spinnaker Tower Abseil first came up, my gut reaction was: “Great for someone else – not a chance for me.”

I do not like heights, and the thought of stepping off a ledge 100 metres above Portsmouth Harbour fills me with dread. But the more I thought about it, the more I realised something. That moment of fear – that tight-chested, heart-thumping anxiety – is something many of the people we support at Hammersley Homes live with every day.

Not for five minutes – but all the time.
And unlike me, they do not get to walk away from it.

That is why I said yes.

Why This Challenge Matters

Hammersley Homes works with adults living with enduring mental illness – people who often live alone, without support, navigating conditions like chronic anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, or trauma that never goes away. Our Outreach Programme is there to offer friendship, practical help, and a reliable presence in their lives.

Living with a serious mental illness is incredibly tough. For many of our clients, daily life can feel overwhelming, confusing, and frightening. Without regular support, even the simplest tasks can become insurmountable. The world outside may feel unsafe; the world inside, isolating.

Some have no close family or friends. Others have experienced repeated hospital stays, long-term unemployment, or housing instability. What they all share is a quiet, often invisible struggle – and a need for someone who will not give up on them.

That is where our Outreach Programme comes in.

Simple Support. Profound Impact.

We offer something simple – but profoundly life-changing:
Companionship. Practical help. Stability.

A kind voice on the phone. A familiar face at the door.
Someone who listens, someone who cares, someone who keeps showing up.

In a life marked by silence or chaos, we bring connection.
In a system that often forgets them, we remember.

We do not do quick fixes. We do long-term, consistent care.
And the difference it makes is enormous.

So yes – I am still scared. But I will be standing on that platform in June, shaking knees and all, because I believe so deeply in what we do – and in the people we support.

This is our first year running the abseil challenge, and I would love it if you would join me. Or simply sponsor someone brave enough to go over the edge.

Behind the Scenes

Our small but mighty team at Hammersley Homes has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring this event to life. From building web pages and crafting social media posts, to coordinating sign-ups, supporting participants with their fundraising pages, and keeping our event listings up to date – the energy and effort has been nonstop.

They have handled risk assessments, liaised with the Spinnaker Tower team and the abseil company, and even prepared special goodie bags for our brave abseilers.

It has truly been a labour of love – and every detail has been shaped with care, commitment, and excitement for what we hope will be a joyful, meaningful day for all involved.

And now, we are genuinely excited.

Excited to share this experience with our wonderful supporters.
Excited to cheer on the brave fundraisers who are taking part.
Excited to come together – for something that is both fun and meaningful.

Join Us – In the Air or on the Ground

📍 Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
📅 Saturday 21st or Sunday 22nd June 2025

Whether you are abseiling, fundraising, or just coming along to spectate and show your support – you are very welcome.

Spectators are warmly encouraged to join us on the day. The more people we have cheering, clapping, and celebrating from the ground, the better. Bring friends, bring family – come and help make it a day to remember for everyone going over the edge.

Want to Take Part?

It is free to register, and anything you can fundraise is hugely appreciated – but the real focus is on the experience itself and raising awareness for the vital work we do.

We are still accepting participants! If you would like to sign up, learn more, or chat about what is involved, visit our event page:

👉 Spinnaker Tower Abseil Challenge 2025

Or contact me directly at s.hannant@hammersleyhomes.org / 07517 830212 – I would be delighted to hear from you.

Together, we are proving that care and courage go hand in hand.
Where Care Meets Courage: Be a Hero for Mental Health

Thank you to everyone taking part, sponsoring, sharing, and supporting us – your generous involvement means more than you know.

– Sarah Hannant