As the countdown to Christmas begins, British Airways i360 and Bishop Sullivan Lettings invite you to spend a night sleeping rough to raise money for The Clock Tower Sanctuary
homeless shelter.
The Big City Sleepout will take place on the British Airways i360 upper boarding deck on Kings Road, on the night of December 18-19. The 60 participants will be encouraged to bring just a sleeping bag and mat, a small tent, snacks and a hot drink. Toilets, first aid and security will be provided.
Brighton & Hove has the second-highest number of rough sleepers in England and that number is growing – in 2017 the council estimated there were around 178 rough sleepers across the city, a 19% rise from the previous year.
The charity Shelter estimates there are more than 4,000 people in the city living in temporary accommodation.
Julian Bishop, director of Bishop Sullivan Lettings on Preston Street, is co-organising the Big City Sleepout.
He said: “According to statistics, one in 64 Brighton & Hove residents is homeless or living in insecure accommodation,” he said. “This may seem unbelievable in this modern age, but sadly, it is true. It is said you are only five pay packets away from life on the streets – homelessness could happen to anyone.
“At work I enjoy connecting people with homes and I wanted to do something which makes a difference for those without a permanent roof over their heads.”
The Clock Tower Sanctuary day centre on North Street receives more than 4,000 visits a year from homeless 16-25-year olds. The charity provides practical and emotional support to help move homeless young people from crisis to independence.
CEO of Clock Tower Sanctuary, Frances Duncan said: “A huge thank you to everyone involved in the Big City Sleepout. The Clock Tower Sanctuary relies on the generosity of the local community to keep our doors open and as the only day centre in Brighton for homeless 16-25-year olds, our services are needed now more than ever. All the money raised by those bold enough to brave the elements for a night will go towards our Urgent Winter Appeal, enabling us to give vulnerable young people a warm welcome and a helping hand when they have nowhere else to turn.”
Lena Koskela, head of sales and marketing at British Airways i360 said: “Most of us associate Christmas with being warm, indoors and surrounded by our loved ones. Charities tell us that not only is this the coldest time of year for homeless people, it can also be the loneliest as well. We are proud to be working with the Clock Tower Sanctuary and hope people will brave the elements for just one night to raise funds for this essential local work.”
Where? British Airways i360 upper boarding deck
When: December 18 – 19 2018
Time: 9pm start – 6am finish
How much: Free to attend but you must pledge to raise £150 by December 18, 2018. To make a donation, click here:
Where will the money go: All money raised will go to The Clock Tower Sanctuary’s Urgent Winter Appeal, enabling them to give vulnerable young people a warm welcome and a helping hand, when they have nowhere else to turn.
What do I need to bring: It will be cold and it might also be wet and windy too; the same problems rough sleepers face every night.
You’ll need warm clothing and a sleeping bag. A full thermos, a small tent without pegs and a sleeping mat are also recommended. Toilets, security and first aid will be provided. Sorry no pets, smoking, drinking or drug taking is permitted.
For more information and to register for The Big City Sleepout, click here: