Member Article

Darlington’s business leaders urged to sleep rough to ‘help those on the brink’ this winter

DARLINGTON’S business community is being urged to pull together and spend a night in the cold to help combat homelessness, amid warnings that many people in the area are ‘on the brink’ ahead of winter.

The annual CEO Sleepout is being staged on November 13 at Darlington Mowden Park Rugby Club.

The sleepout aims to raise thousands of pounds to help tackle a problem that’s only being exacerbated by the cost-of-living crisis.

“In this day and age, nobody should be forced to sleep on the streets. However, the sad reality is that too many people in Darlington don’t have a choice,” said Biance Robinson, CEO Sleepout chief executive.

She’s now called on business leaders across Darlington, Co Durham and Tees Valley to “swap their suits for sleeping bags” to help the area’s most vulnerable during the cold winter months and beyond.

Volunteers will spend the night under the stars, with little more than warm clothing, drinks and a sleeping bag for protection from the elements.

One brave participant is Paul Bannister, from the local charity ManHealth, who said he is “honoured” to take part in the 2023 event.

“ManHealth play an integral role in the Darlington Community providing guidance and support to thousands of men every year,” said Paul. “We recognise that to thrive men need to be afforded their basic human rights, one of which is a place of shelter. “Alongside raising the profile of the problem of homelessness ManHealth are always keen to raising awareness of the work we do in the community.

According to Bianca, the idea isn’t to replicate what those genuinely experiencing homelessness endure. Instead, the national event aims to raise awareness of just how hard life on the streets can be – and to raise the funds needed to combat it.

“Sleeping in the cold during November is a daunting prospect, but for thousands of people in the UK that’s the reality every single night,” she added.

“This isn’t designed to be easy, but it is an effective way of making people in the business community realise just how hard homelessness can be and, in many cases, how good they have it.

“The experience may last just one night, but we have found that for many participants, it changes their outlook forever.”

Launched in 2013, CEO Sleepout has raised almost £4m to date for charities and good causes trying to combat homelessness.

Despite the Government vowing “end the blight of rough sleeping”, figures published earlier this year show rough sleeping is on the rise for the first time in half a decade.

Ominously, Shelter warned there would also likely be a “sharp rise” in homelessness this year amid the gloomy economic situation.

Tracy Freeman is from the charity First Stop, one of the causes that will benefit from the 2023 event. The charity tackles poverty as a root cause of homelessness, and she said that the cost-of-living crisis has left many people in the area at risk of losing their homes.

“The funding raised for Darlington will be beneficial in providing support services to people in dire need of help, many of whom will also be struggling with anxiety and depression due to their circumstances,” said Tracy, who hopes to raise around £3,000 from the event. “ “The funding will help us to support those in most need to not only problem solve their financial or housing issues, but to give hope and reduce stress, anxiety and indeed prevent suicide in those who can’t see a way forward.

“We all know and recognise how much the landscape has changed and the amount of people needing help and support continues to grow at alarming rates. We hope volunteers will come forward and offer support through CEO Sleepout to help their fellow residents in our town.”

Now with the 2023 event on the horizon, Bianca has urged business figures across the Tees Valley to sign up to play their part and “make a real difference” in the community.

“We can’t guarantee a comfortable, easy night. However, the money raised could change the lives of others forever,” added Bianca.

“And while the weather will probably be cold, there is a warmth among the participants that is unmatched and the energy and atmosphere always makes it an experience you won’t forget.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by CEO Sleepout .