Spotlight: Jacinta Rowsell and the SleepOut 2025

This year, the LandAid SleepOut is back—bigger and better than ever! Once again, URW is generously providing the London venue. We hear from their Head of Operations, Jacinta Rowsell, on why this event is so important to both her and the wider business.

04/02/2025

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your role at URW?

As Director of Operations for the UK, I oversee the Asset Management and Operations functions of our two Shopping Destinations, Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City, our residential scheme Coppermaker Square next to Westfield Stratford City as well as our interests in Croydon whilst they are being progressed by our Development teams. I’ve been with the business for almost 15 years and have previously held roles in Finance and Operations.

You also sit on the LandAid Fundraising Committee. How did you first get involved with LandAid, and what does being on the Fundraising Committee mean to you?

I did my first SleepOut in 2022, which was a real eye opener, and through URWs existing partnership was given the opportunity to join the Fundraising Committee which I felt was a great opportunity for me to extend my involvement in this important charity. I see it as a huge privilege to be part of this committee, being able to leverage my network and experience together with industry peers to drive impactful change.

URW are great supporters of LandAid and this is no exception with the LandAid SleepOut. For the second year running, URW are the venue sponsor for the London SleepOut. It will be hosted at Westfield London.

Why is it so important at URW to support LandAid?

At URW, supporting LandAid is an extension of our core commitment to driving social value and fostering positive change in the communities where we operate. Youth homelessness is a pressing issue, and LandAid’s mission to end it resonates deeply with our values of inclusion and shared responsibility. By hosting the SleepOut at Westfield London for the second year running, we are not only providing a platform for raising critical funds and awareness but also helping to unite the industry around a common purpose.

This initiative reflects our broader Social Value commitments, which focus on building thriving, inclusive communities and addressing key societal challenges where our presence can make the greatest impact. For us, this partnership is far more than corporate responsibility—it’s about being an active, positive force for good and contributing to real, lasting change for those who need it most.

You have taken part in multiple previous SleepOuts. Will you be braving the cold again this year?

Absolutely! The LandAid SleepOut is a cause I’m incredibly passionate about, and I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to take part again this year. It’s a humbling experience that brings to light the struggles faced by so many young people, and while one night in the cold is challenging, it’s a small sacrifice to help make a meaningful difference. I’m thrilled that so many URW colleagues will be taking part this year, and we look forward to coming together to raise crucial funds, increase awareness and stand united as an industry for such a worthy cause.

Please could you describe your experience of taking part in a LandAid SleepOut. What would be your main highlight or takeaway?

Participating in a LandAid SleepOut is both eye-opening and rewarding. It’s a stark reminder of the realities faced by young people experiencing homelessness, but it’s also a chance to connect with like-minded individuals from across the property and real estate sector. For me, the highlight is the sense of community and collaboration—meeting new people, sharing stories and collectively working towards a common goal of ending youth homelessness. It’s inspiring to see so many people from different companies and roles uniting for such a vital cause

LandAid SleepOut 2025 group playing cards

If you could say one thing to an individual or company considering taking part in the SleepOut this year, what would it be?

Do it! Taking part in the SleepOut is not only a meaningful way to support young people in need, but it’s also an opportunity to challenge yourself, connect with others, and be part of something truly impactful. As a company, it’s a chance to show leadership in social responsibility, and as an individual, it’s a reminder of how fortunate we are and how much we can achieve by coming together. You’ll walk away with a profound sense of purpose, knowing you’ve made a real difference.

Feeling inspired?

If you weren’t able to take part this year, there’s still time to make a difference and support those who took part. Donate today and be part of the solution.

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