Homeless people in the UK is growing at an alarming rate
John Ennis former CEO of Chestertons had been approached to take on the Sleepout. John comments “Having worked as a Trustee of the Chestertons Foundation, supporting and raising funds for a number of very important homelessness charities, it was an honour to be invited to take part in this years CEO Sleepout Event taking part in London in November 2023.
The number of rough sleepers, sofa-surfers and homeless people in the UK is growing at an alarming rate. There are a number of incredible organisations who provide refuge, clothing, food and support services to those who do not have a roof over their head or a place to call home. Therefore when the opportunity came up to help raise awareness and funds for these amazing charities I jumped at the invitation.
On the evening, over 50 of London’s CEO’s came together in St Johns Wood to get a taster of what sleeping outside, albeit for just one night in a secure environment, was like.
I had introductions from the Bianca Robinson & Henrietta MacEwen from CEO Sleepout who introduced us to ten of the charities* we were raising funds for and then the most inspirational address from Julie Nerney. It was lovely to meet and speak with the organisations themselves and to hear and see the brilliant work they do 365 days a year.
We were offered a cup of warm soup, and then around 8.30pm we headed outside on a cold and drizzly London night to find our pitches, lay down our mats and cardboard, put out our sleeping bags and then curl up and keep as warm as possible.
It's certainly an event I'm proud to have taken part in
To think of the thousands of people who have to endure conditions like those every night, as well as dealing with where their next meal or drink will come from, where they can go to the toilet or clean themselves let alone the threat that sleeping out in the streets might bring every day really changes one’s perspective,
I am incredibly thankful for all those who offered their support and donations to me, and to all the amazing people who gave up a tiny piece of their time to take part in what truly was a fantastic event. I must admit, however, that the bacon roll and cup of tea we were offered @ 6am the next morning were the best tasting ever!
Whilst I had a very uncomfortable night and didn’t achieve the best sleep score of my life, it was certainly an event I am proud to have taken part in and to have contributed to”.
*The 10 charities were:
- Walking With The Wounded
- Only A Pavement Away
- Scots Care
- Change Please
- Depaul UK
- Single Homeless Project
- Yes! Charity
- Charity Begins At Home
- Marylebone Project
- Sidewalk Salon (Haircuts For The Homeless)
Agents Giving and the Guild of Property Professionals are delighted to support Sleep Out with our grant fund.
