One of 64 people on the island are thought to be without secure housing. In a bid to raise awareness, funds and action, The Big Skipton Sleep Out is returning for its second year on Friday 23 January. Registration is now open.
The overnight event was created by the charity Caritas and the local bank to bring the community together to experience a small insight into life without a home, and raise funds for Caritas’s modular housing initiative.
‘It’s a tough night, but it’s also a hopeful one because every person who takes part is helping to build something better,’ said Susan Fouquier, CEO of Skipton International.
Last year, 150 people took part in the inaugural sleep out, and raised more than £40,000 for the housing project.
‘We chose January because we knew the weather wouldn’t be at its best,’ said Graham Merfield, chairman of Caritas Guernsey, who is preparing to roll out his sleeping bag again next year.
‘The night was half dry and half rainy, and by the end of it you’re feeling cold, not mentally sharp, definitely not feeling your best or well rested at all. All your things are wet – and that was only one night.
‘It really brought home to me what the reality might be like for people who aren’t choosing to do this doing it night after night. Where would you dry your things out? How would you keep your things safe?
‘We knew it wasn’t ever going to replicate what people who are sleeping rough really go through – we’re in a safe environment. We don’t have that fear of falling into a deep sleep and having our valuables stolen, and we all woke up to a bacon butty and cup of coffee in the morning. But it still raised a lot of questions for me.
‘I would encourage people to come and try the experience. I think it gives you some insight and it’s a valuable experience for life.’
Funds raised will continue to support the Caritas Community Project – which aims to provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness and a supportive community environment, with access to wraparound services and long-term support.
‘The reality is that too many people in our community still don’t have a place to call home,’ said Mr Merfield.
‘That’s why the support from The Big Skipton Sleep Out is so vital.
‘The funds raised last year have already helped us take real steps toward building a modular housing community that offers not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope.
‘This year, we have the chance to go even further, but we can’t do it alone. If you believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, then join us. Sign up, sleep out, and be part of something that truly changes lives.’
The event is open to anyone aged 16 and over, and also welcomes corporate teams. Participants will sleep outside from 7pm to 6.30am with only basic shelter.
Anyone keen to register or find out more can visit www.skiptoninternational.com/sleepout.
You need to be logged in to comment. If you had an account on our previous site, you can migrate your old account and comment profile to this site by visiting this page and entering the email address for your old account. We'll then send you an email with a link to follow to complete the process.