Sheffield charity challenges people to 'sleep out' to raise awareness on homelessness

Already in its third year, the fundraising challenge by St Wilfrid's Sleep Out this time around will be held at Sheffield United home ground, Bramall Lane on March 13, 2020.

Expecting to attract record numbers of participants, drawn from supporters and local businesses, the event aims to raise over £25,000 to help pay for the salary of a welfare worker, to work with vulnerable adults and rough sleepers.

St Wilfrid's Interim Director, Louise Finnigan said: "Spending the night outside is always a challenge for anyone but those taking part in this event can go back to the comforts of their own home.

"We work with people at the centre daily who aren't so fortunate. We know first-hand how destructive sleeping rough is to people's mental health and overall well-being."

He said the event will help raise much needed money to pay for the salary of one of their welfare workers, who provides one-to-one support to people who live on the streets or live in temporary accommodation while helping them get back on their feet.

"The need for our services is greater today than it has ever been and by taking part in the Sleep Out, you are helping the needs of some of Sheffield's most vulnerable adults," he added.

Leading a team from SUFC, Chief Executive Officer Stephen Bettis said: "On behalf of the board, we are delighted to lend our support to this fantastic project.

"Along with our vice-presidents, I will be sleeping out and closer to the event, we hope to be able to announce further members of the club also taking part.

"Sheffield United FC has a long history in assisting with the wonderful work that takes place just down the road at the St Wilfrid's Centre and the 2020 Sleep Out reinforces our strong partnership within the local community."

Earlier this year, St Wilfrid’s had challenged the public to sleep on their carpark ground, which was located next to a busy road to give the people a chance to challenge themselves while gaining a small insight to what it was like to sleep rough.

The public are advised to register early as the places for the Sleep Out are limited and are strictly via online registration at www.stwilfridscentre.org/events.

The participants are also encouraged to raise over £50 in sponsorship and all funds raised will go to St Wilfrid's Centre.

Registration is £20 per person. For more information, visit stwilfridscentre.org/events or contact [email protected].

All running costs will be covered by the generous support of Westfield Health.