The annual St Albans Sleepout takes place on Friday, 8th November at Oaklands College, offering the community a powerful opportunity to raise funds and support local homelessness charities in Hertfordshire. With homelessness on the rise, this year’s Sleepout—hosted by five local charities: Herts Young Homeless, Open Door, The Living Room, Emmaus, and Centre 33—promises to make a significant impact.
Beginning at 8pm, the Sleepout invites participants to swap their comfortable beds for cardboard beds and sleeping bags, experiencing a glimpse of what life is like for Hertfordshire’s homeless. This family-friendly and heartfelt event unites the local community for a shared cause, with all funds raised through sponsorship and donations directly supporting these vital charities.
Those taking part will hear from charity representatives, local dignitaries, and individuals who have experienced homelessness, shedding light on the profound challenges faced by those without a place to call home. The evening will also feature a craft activities and entertainment from local musicians, facilitated by St Albans Arts.
Adrienne Arthurs, CEO of The Living Room said; “We are delighted to be part of St Albans Sleepout again this year and we are cheering on everyone who will be out braving the cold. Homelessness can often lead to addiction and addiction can lead to homelessness, causing a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
The challenging conditions of living on the street, struggling with chronic pain, trying to source food, and suffering from mental health conditions can cause individuals to seek solace in alcohol or drugs.
Working together with Herts Young Homeless (hyh), Open Door, Centre 33 and Emmaus gives us an opportunity to highlight the link between addiction and homelessness and reiterate our important message that recovery is possible.”
Jonny Whitehead, Chief Executive of Herts Young Homeless, said: ‘At Herts Young Homeless our mission is to break the cycle of homelessness through education, advice and support for young people and their families. Last year’s Sleepout raised an incredible £50,000, funds which have allowed hyh to continue our vital work. The number of young people presenting to the council as homeless within Hertfordshire has risen by 29% over the last year and beyond the official figures, many young people are also forced to sofa-surf or make their own informal and often unsafe living arrangements. As the complexity of our cases increases, hyh’s workers are there to provide expert advice and support to young people with no one else to turn to. Please choose to make a difference this November and join us as we come together with other partner charities within the community’.
Emmaus Hertfordshire Chief Executive, Duncan Lewis said: “Emmaus Hertfordshire is honoured to once again be part of the St Albans Sleepout which not only helps us continue our vital work ending homelessness for vulnerable people, but also raises awareness of their plight. It’s only when you experience the sort of conditions homeless people must endure by sleeping rough, at the mercy of the elements, that it truly brings home the enormity of being homeless.
A huge thank you to our good friends at Herts Young Homeless for organising this important event again this year. Please support us by sleeping rough in groups or individually to help us transform people’s lives by providing them with a warm and safe home, tailored support and work opportunities, for as long as they need them. It will be a night which you will never forget.”
Peter Graham (Acting Chair) Open Door St Albans said: “The Open Door Charity works throughout the year to help provide support for those sleeping rough or at risk of facing homelessness. The need is especially great during the winter months, when, with the help of our fantastic volunteers, we will again be running additional beds for those who would otherwise be risking their health by sleeping rough.
The Sleepout is an important part of our fundraising for this initiative, as well as giving a challenging but fulfilling experience. We are very grateful to all who take part and to those who sponsor them.”
For Further information please contact: Courtney D’Souza, Events Officer, Herts Young Homeless
courtney.dsouza@hyh.org.uk – 07812 590763
