With World Homeless Day coming up on Thursday 10 October, now is the perfect time to plan Your Big Sleep Out.
By braving the outdoors, you can help stop vulnerable people from losing their homes.
Big Sleep Out is a challenge that will give you a very small insight into what it might be like to sleep rough, including cold temperatures and wet weather.
St Joseph’s College in Reading held a Big Sleep Out in the grounds of the school earlier this month and raised a staggering £2,359, smashing their original target of £1,000.
The brave teenagers from Year 11 bedded down for the night following an inspiring talk from our charity ambassador Steve Scrace. The college awarded the top three fundraisers a bundle of house points for their outstanding efforts.
Teacher and Head of Year 11, Miss Jessica Marandola, said: “We had over 50 students and staff sleep out, which is fab! We started the evening with pizza and then had hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows over a fire.
“Some students did a spot of stargazing too using an app on their phones to identify constellations – I got to learn a couple of things from that! They then watched a movie before claiming their spots outside at around midnight.
“They’re a really excitable year group so not much sleep was had, and everyone managed to stay outside until it rained at about 5am. They are super competitive, so there’s been a lot of talk about who has raised the most, but the fundraising page is still open and we’ve shared it on the school’s social media pages.”
And in a couple of weeks senior pupils from the Bulmershe School in Reading will be sleeping outside to raise funds for Launchpad.
Fiona Keyte, our fundraising manager said: “Amazing people who have been part of Big Sleep Out are vital in preventing homelessness in our town.
“Sleeping outside and braving the elements is not an easy challenge so I’d like to say a huge thank you to St Josephs for their valiant efforts and wish good luck to Bulmershe for their event at the end of October.
“Anyone can hold a sleep out – whether it’s at school, college, scouts or guides, or even in your own back garden, we have lots of advice on our website about how you can go about it.
“If you’re thinking about an event, but haven’t yet taken the plunge, how about a talk from one of our charity ambassadors? Just get in touch and we can organise this.
“Whatever you choose to do to support Launchpad – take part in Walkies! our new dog-walking challenge, a Sleep Out, or come to one of our events, thank you.
“Demand for our services is continuing to rise and by getting involved and fundraising, you will be helping us provide urgent support for local people who are at risk of losing their home.
“Our drop-in service, which provides free housing and homelessness support and information, has seen a sharp rise in the number of people in crisis – many of whom never imagined they would ever need to reach out for Launchpad’s help.
“Some are on the brink of homelessness because they have been made redundant or are fleeing domestic violence. Other people’s tenancies are at risk because they’ve battled serious mental health issues, or their addiction may have worsened.
“With your kindness and generosity, we can continue our vital work with vulnerable individuals, couples and families in Reading and ensure they remain housed.”
