Member Article

Bristol’s business community urged to spend a night under the stars with a TV star – and it’s all for charity

Charity organisers are asking business leaders and executives from across Bristol to swap their usual home comforts for a cold night under the stars.

CEO Sleepout, an initiative which aims to raise vital funds and awareness of the growing issue of homelessness across the country, is coming to Clifton Rugby in Bristol on November 28th.

Bristol has one of the highest rates in the UK for people dying while sleeping rough, living in emergency accommodation or in other insecure settings. Speaking of this shocking statistic, chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “It’s no secret that Bristol faces rising homelessness - it is wholly preventable and is exactly the issue we’re trying to address.”

A total of 40 participants have already signed up to sleep outside and experience one night of what a person who has become homeless will encounter, and the remaining places are limited.

Speaking to local business people who are thinking of taking part, Bianca said: “The sleepout won’t be warm or comfortable, but you’ll gain insight that unlocks a deeper understanding of the issues many are currently facing in the region, along with compassion that will hopefully lead to change, opportunities and strengthened local communities.”

Bianca hopes to raise £30,000 from this event to combat homelessness in the local area, which is being worsened by the rising cost of living. Several local charities will benefit from the funds raised, including BillyChip.

BillyChip was set up in 2018 to continue the legacy of Billy Abernethy-Hope from Bristol who felt disheartened at the little support given to people who are homeless and living rough on the streets. The charity created a secure currency that can be given to those who need it as an alternative to cash and redeemed in coffee shops and takeaways for food and drink.

Thanking those who will raise vital funds for the charity, founder Jon Hope, said: “To those who are participating, Billy would have said you’re fabulous and don’t you ever forget it!”

Another benefactor is Help Bristol’s Homeless which converts shipping containers into micro flats on its site.

The charity CEO Jasper Thompson said: “Our ethos is that housing must come first, so we help people into safe, stable and comfortable accommodations. From there, we can help them to improve their own lives and reach their potential.”

Funds from this sleepout will help the charity to provide vital services to its residents to help them with their journey into independent living.

Participating in the event for the first time is TV presenter Martin Roberts. He said: “My job is to tell people about property but I’m aware many people are not in a situation to buy their own home or even rent somewhere - they are often on the streets and I want to help highlight their suffering.”

Speaking to potential participants, Martin added: “You have a bed and roof over your head 365 days a year - these people don’t. Experience what it is like for just one night and imagine how it would be if that was normal life.”

Martin wants to raise as much money as possible for CEO Sleepout. To date, the national initiative has raised £3.2m for charities throughout the UK.

For those concerned about the cold, hot refreshments will be available including coffee from Rugga Coffee Co and pizza from Dough Dough Pizza Co, who will charge a small amount with any extra income going to CEO Sleepout.

To sign up, visit the CEO Sleepout website.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Pay-as-Hugo .