A charity initiative to combat homelessness which sees industry leaders sleeping rough for the night is returning to Nottingham for a seventh time.
CEO Sleepout, a national scheme that raises awareness of and funding for homelessness, will return on November 9 at Meadow Lane Stadium – and organisers are urging local business and community leaders to sign up.
CEO Sleepout chief executive Bianca Robinson hopes the Nottingham sleepout will raise £50,000 and is looking for another 20 people to sign up.
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She 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.
“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.
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“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 2023 event will benefit three different Nottingham causes – Emmanuel House, the Notts County Foundation and Friary Nottingham.
Ben Talbot, from the Friary, said: “Homelessness and the knock-in effects of it are being felt more than ever in Nottingham.
“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 of Emmanuel House, said money raised will support the charity’s winter shelter, which provides 27 beds each night on the coldest months of the year.
He said: “The work of the shelter is about helping people find accommodation solutions.
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“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.”
For more information on how to take part, visit https://ceosleepout.co.uk/nottingham/