THE oldest and biggest sleep out in the UK returns on Friday December 3.
The new venue for St Basils Big SleepOut 2021 is Millennium Point in Birmingham – and the organisers hope to fill it to capacity.
Abigail Vlahakis, the CEO of Millennium Point said: “Young people, many of whom have not engaged in education, training or employment, are feeling abandoned by our society.
“Millennium Point is determined to raise awareness for this issue and proud to be working alongside the brilliant and passionate team at St Basil’s to end youth homelessness.”
This is an event that usually raises over £100,000 but, due to the pandemic last year’s was cancelled.
Redditch is home to accommodation from St Basil’s helping local youngsters to keep off the streets.
Jean Templeton, chief executive of St Basils said: “St Basils aims to help prevent youth homelessness in the West Midlands, advising and assisting over 4000 young people at risk of homelessness each year, housing over 1000 and supporting some 750 young people at any one time.
“We don’t believe that homelessness should be part of growing up for any young person and the money raised from this event will go towards ensuring young people feel cared about and have a safe, decent and affordable home.”
The Big Sleepout sees hundreds of people from companies, families and groups taking part by challenging themselves, raising money and having fun.
This year the the much coveted ‘Creative Shelter competition’ is taking place, with cardboard provided yet again by long time supporters Schumacher packaging.
Visit www.stbasils.org.uk/bigsleepout for more information and to sign up for this event.
