Member Article

Brum’s business bosses to sleep under the stars for charity

Organisers at CEO Sleepout are asking company leaders and executives in Birmingham to spend a night out in the cold to raise vital funds to support those who are homeless this winter.

The national initiative is returning to the area on December 5th at Edgbaston Stadium for its third event after relaunching the sleepouts last year. The first fundraising event was held in 2015.

Over 30 brave participants have already signed up to sleep out, with the remaining spaces limited.

Chief executive of the charity, Bianca Robinson said: “The number of people presenting as homeless in Birmingham rises each week.

“This is mostly because of the lifting of the evictions ban, so people who have fallen into rent arrears due to rising costs have no choice but to leave their homes with no affordable accommodation to go.”

Speaking of the cost-of-living crisis, Bianca added: “People are struggling to survive; skipping meals and going without heating on the coldest of days so their children can eat.

“We see more and more people use coping mechanisms like substance misuse, which is why we support the incredible work of Changes UK, who not only change the lives of people they help with recovery and supported housing, but also work tirelessly to change public perception.

“That’s why we need business leaders in Birmingham to make a stand and lead by example now more than ever.”

The majority of funds raised from this event will be donated to Changes UK, which is developing and delivering support for people seeking abstinent recovery from drugs and alcohol.

Steve Dixon, the founder and chief executive of Changes UK, said: “Attitudes towards addiction are still a real barrier for people reaching out to get the help they need.

“Now more than ever we have a responsibility to support those that are suffering and start the conversation for our family members, co-workers and friends to be able to talk openly about their addiction and break the cycle that leads to homelessness because who knows what is in the future for any of us - addiction does not discriminate.”

Speaking about being chosen to receive funds raised at this event, Steve said: “Events like these are so important as we can create opportunities for change in our communities, reframe attitudes towards addiction and homelessness together to one of compassion, empathy and understanding because no one deserves to suffer alone.”

One participant who will be tucked up in a sleeping bag at the event is Dean Moore, General Manager at Veolia and Trustee at The Veolia Environmental Trust. This will be his second time taking part in the charity sleepout and he is hoping to surpass his total from last year, which was nearly £3,000.

Veolia has long supported Changes UK, which is how Dean got involved in CEO Sleepout. He said: “We must highlight the most marginalised in our communities this winter and beyond, including the struggles they face.

“We all need to realise that being homeless isn’t a choice and with a change in our lives - such as job loss, trauma or other factors – this could be a reality for many of us.”

Urging people to sign up, Dean said: “Do it! It’s tough and challenging, but it is nothing compared to having to do it daily.”

Bianca wants to beat last year’s total and raise £50,000 from this event alone to add to the total CEO Sleepout pot which currently stands at £3.2 million.

If you would like to take part in the event, visit the CEO Sleepout website for more information.

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