A successful charity initiative to combat homelessness is returning to Nottingham for the seventh time.
CEO Sleepout, a national initiative that raises awareness of and funding for homelessness, will return with an event on November 9th at Meadow Lane Stadium, and has issued a call for local business and community leaders to sign up.
Homelessness is a growing issue in Nottingham, and chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “According to the latest figures from Shelter, 1,614 people are homeless in Nottingham, which equates to a shocking one in every 201.
“Sadly, with the cost-of-living crisis showing no signs of slowing down and rents increasing across the country, we expect these figures to increase – which is why something must be done.
“The CEO Sleepout has a great deal of support from businesses across Nottinghamshire and it’s not surprising that we already have nearly 50 business leaders signed up to take part. Since 2016, CEO Sleepout has raised over £270,000 by and for the people of Nottingham. With this year’s efforts, we hope to take that figure well over the £300,000 threshold!”
Bianca hopes that the Nottingham Sleepout will raise £50,000 and is looking for another 20 people to sign up.
She added: “Business leaders have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to ensure they are active within communities and play a role in strengthening the fabric of society.
“It’s just one night and it is my hope that while looking up at the stars at 3am, they will consider actions they can take as leaders, and enforce these into their business to create greater social impact.”
The event will benefit three different Nottingham causes – Emmanuel House, the Notts County Foundation and Friary Nottingham.
Ben Talbot, from the Friary, said he was “thrilled” to once again be involved with the event.
“Homelessness and the knock-in effects of it are being felt more than ever in Nottingham,” said Ben.
“I would encourage anyone who feels strongly about supporting people who are experiencing this to sign up for the sleepout.
“Not only will you make a contribution to the cause but you will feel first hand what it is like to be in this vulnerable position.”
And Denis Tully, Chief Executive Officer from Emmanuel House, added money raised from the event will help support the charity’s Winter Shelter, which provides 27 beds each night on the coldest months of the year.
“The work of the Shelter is about helping people find accommodation solutions. Out of the 107 people that used the Shelter last year we are able to support more than 50 per cent of guests into accommodation.
“We anticipate that this year will be particularly demanding on the Shelter as the number of homeless people is increasing with a further likely increase to come. Being involved in the CEO Sleepout gives you an opportunity to gain more insight into what homelessness is about.
“When it comes to donating financially you know you are supporting front line services. We can’t do it without you.”
And with just weeks to go before the event, Bianca has issued a final call to get as many business leaders as possible to sign up and make it a night to remember, adding: “We aim to raise big money to support charities on the frontline of homelessness in the city, and at the same time bring business leaders together to gain a deeper understanding of the issues around homelessness locally.”
