On the evening of Thursday 1 April 2021 Peasholme Charity staff and supporters set up tents and makeshift beds in their own back gardens to take part in the ‘Big Easter Sleepout’ – at home!  

The ‘Big Easter Sleepout’ is a national event organised by CEO Sleepout UK – a charity established to fight homelessness and poverty.

The ‘Big Easter Sleepout’ gives people an opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness – by sleeping on sofas, on kitchen floors, or somewhere safe outside – and pledging to raise or donate at least £100 to help people who need it most.

Charity Manager, Yvonne, spent the night in a tent with her husband and young family. Financial Coach, Alison set up a “bed” outside on her patio with just a mountain of blankets for warmth.  Administrator Nathalie and her husband spent 14 hours in a tent in the garden and trustee Jonathon gave up his warm, comfortable bed for the night – all in a collective effort to fundraise for Peasholme Charity.

Yvonne said “We absolutely loved taking part in this event – it was such a memorable experience. We slept in the garden with the kids and despite it being just 2 degrees; we had a giggle and managed to get some sleep. I felt one of their little faces in the night and it was like ice. In that moment I thought about all the people we help – those that don’t have heating and live in cold, damp rooms or spend night after night sleeping in dangerous places.

People shouldn’t have to live their lives like that but…that’s why we do what we do!”

Bianca Robinson of CEO Sleepout UK said “I’m always amazed at the willingness of compassionate people across the country to brave a night out in the cold and raise much needed funds and awareness for those who’ve been plunged into homelessness as a result of the pandemic.

We know what we do can’t come close to what it’s like to sleep rough, or wonder where your next meal will come from. Hearing from charities like Peasholme, and people like Kerri Douglass who have experienced homelessness first hand unlocks so much understanding and compassion. I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who took part, and those generous sponsors. Together we can fight for a fairer society for all.”

We’d like to say a special thank you to supporters Natalie and Rachael Seals, who joined us on the night, spending a night under the stars and raising vital funds for Peasholme Charity.

There’s still time to donate at www.peasholmecharity.enthuse.com to help end local homelessness. The money raised will go towards helping local people – pulled in to poverty and destitution – to get back on their feet.

If you would like to fundraise for Peasholme Charity please get in touch via our social media pages or email info@peasholmecharity.org.uk