Turning Tides' Big Summer SleepOut Takes Place Tonight For Homeless People In West Sussex

The Big Summer SleepOut takes place tonight (Saturday) in aid of homeless men and women in West Sussex.

Turning Tides is asking people to host their own SleepOut, in a location of their choice, in the charity’s biggest activity this year.

It will help to raise vital funds to support homeless men and women across West Sussex.

The SleepOut is completely free to enter and open to all.

Sophie Moore, School and Youth Fundraising Officer, explains:

‘This is a great opportunity to set up your own SleepOut and have an ultimate summer adventure in your garden, or inside your home, or anywhere else for that matter – as long as it’s safe and meets current social distancing guidelines! It is a chance to give up your bed for just one night and choose an alternative location to SleepOut.

The possibilities are limitless, you can slip into a sleeping bag, take a night-time nap in your bath, sneak a space under the stairs, chill-out under canvas, design a den or just SleepOut out under the stars! Just £85 raised pays for a full day of emergency support for homeless men and women. If 100 families, groups or individuals raise £85 this will pay for 100 days of emergency support – so we are really hoping people will feel moved to join in.’

Turning Tides will also be providing an online programme of activities including quizzes, storytelling and music, and there will be a prize for the best dressed den. The charity can also provide everything needed to help with people’s own fundraising, including a helpful DIY Big Summer SleepOut pack.

Local company, Compass Bus, has already jumped on board and is generously supporting this event which is a real boost and a great kick start to the fundraising.

This event is a vital part of the charity’s fundraising calendar - particularly as they struggle to meet an unprecedented extra need for their services – but the SleepOut also brings a chance to raise awareness about homelessness. Ruth Poyner, Head of Fundraising and Communications, explains:

‘For most of us, our bed is a safe and warm place. However, many people in our community do not have a bed of their own; they might be sleeping rough, living in unsuitable accommodation, living in their car or sofa surfing. This takes an extreme toll on a person, both physically and mentally, homeless men and women die on average 30 years sooner than the general population. By sleeping out somewhere new people can help to raise money but also take a stand against homelessness. Why not rope in as many friends and family as possible and have a socially distanced SleepOut that also makes a massive social difference?’

The charity are also appealing to local community groups to get involved, Sophie Moore adds:

‘Over the last few months, our communities have strengthened as people have come together as part of their road/street. We want to reach out these mini communities – so if you have a Street WhatsApp group or you know of one please join in and get your street out to SleepOut! We would also love local traders and food outlets to get involved too – it is a great opportunity to provide discount deliveries and offers to participants.’

Social distancing measures have significantly curtailed Turning Tides calendar of fundraising events so an event such as the The Big Summer SleepOut is critical to helping them meet the increased need for their services. You can find out more about their work on www.turning-tides.org.uk