Sleep outside this March to support The Big Sleep fundraiser in Leicester

The Bridge Homelessness to Hope’s annual fundraiser returns on 28 March 2023.

The Big Sleep in Leicester is to be held on March 28 2023

People are invited to join a charity sleep-out on Tuesday, March 28.

The Big Sleep is the flagship annual fundraiser organised by Leicester-based homeless charity, The Bridge Homelessness to Hope.

The event will be held at two locations in Leicester at the University of Leicester’s Centenary Square and outside the Food Village at De Montfort University in Mill Lane.

David Fawcett, Executive Operations Manager of The Bridge Homelessness to Hope said: “Winter is a difficult time for a lot of people but for the homeless community, dealing with the cold and inclement weather takes on a whole new perspective.

"The Big Sleep gives people a glimpse of the struggles that the homeless have on a daily basis.

“We hope that individuals and organisations will join us at this amazing event, supporting the charity and the vulnerable people who use our services at this critical time.”

At this year’s event, individuals and staff from local businesses will be joined by staff and students from the University of Leicester and De Montfort University.

The individuals will camp out in the cold overnight to help support the vital work done by the charity.

The services include providing a breakfast service, access to hot showers, clothing and toiletries, washing and drying facilities.

In addition, they support the mental and physical health support for members of the city’s homeless and at-risk communities.

Participants joining the sleep out will have basic items including cardboard, a sleeping bag and flasks, as well as a scarf, hat and gloves, along with the clothes on their back for warmth, to simulate the conditions through which the homeless go.

The event aims to offer some insights into the daily struggles and discomfort faced by the homeless and raise awareness of those conditions.

People can volunteer to take part in The Big Sleep, sponsor others or find out more details on The Bridge Homelessness to Hope website.

Sponsors and supporters of this year’s event include the University of Leicester, De Montfort University, Long Harbour Ltd and Tetenal Ltd.

If your business is interested in sponsoring or entering a staff team to take part, contact David Fawcett at The Bridge Homelessness to Hope on 07534 059658 or via email on david@bridgeleicester.org.