Registrations now open for The Sleep Out 2020

Registrations now open for The Sleep Out 2020

Posted on: 04 Sep 2020

Spend a night somewhere unusual to raise awareness and funds for those affected by the coronavirus crisis.

 

A selection of Bristol homeless charities have come together to launch The Sleep Out 2020, a one-night event put together to raise vital funds for a growing number of homeless people and rough sleepers across the city.

 

National charity Shelter is predicting as many as 230,000 renters are currently at risk of 'COVID-eviction', while Generation Rent estimates that roughly 17% of renters have fallen into arrears since the start of the coronavirus outbreak.

 

With the furlough scheme and a ban on evictions set to end soon, charities across the UK are expecting a sharp rise in cases of homelessness and rough sleeping in the coming months.

 

Set to take place on Friday 9 October, corresponding with World Homeless Day on Saturday 10, this year's Sleep Out is asking the Bristol public to spend a night in an unusual space in their homes or gardens in solidarity with those seriously affected by the crisis.

 

 

Having been running every year since 2009, The Sleep Out format has been adjusted this time around in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

 

Instead of gathering as a group and spending a night sleeping in a public space, participants are asked to get creative with their setup at home or in the garden, taking part individually or with housemates rather than getting together with others.

 

It could be the cupboard under the stairs, on some cardboard in your garden, or anywhere else you wouldn't typically try to sleep, in order to raise awareness of thousands of people living without reliable accommodation in the UK.

 

The Sleep Out officially starts at 22:00 on Friday 9 October (or earlier if you want to get to sleep before that) and ends at 07:00 on Saturday 10 October.

 

Organisers from the Bristol Homeless Forum, including Caring in Bristol, One25 and inHope, are also asking people to spread the word across their social media channels before, during and after the event, to ensure its message reaches as many people as possible.

 

 

Upon registering for this year's event you'll receive emails on how to get involved, kickstart your fundraising and make sure your voice is heard.

 

You'll be given a full registration pack, including sponsorship forms, information on how to connect with other people taking part, and tips on how to fundraise and keep safe, warm and dry during the Sleep Out.

 

To find out more about The Sleep Out 2020, or to register to take part, head to the Caring in Bristol website.

 

Main Image: PRSC

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Article by:

Matt Robson

 

Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
 

Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.