The BIG Sleepout returned this year for a fourth time and this year there were four different events!
The Doncaster BIG Sleepout took place at Lakeside Village on Friday 8th October and over 70 people took part. About the same number turned out for the Sheffield BIG Sleepout at Meadowhall Shopping Centre on October 22nd. And on the same night the long running Rotherham BIG Sleepout pulled in a massive crowd of over 200 people.
The BIG Sleepout aims to raise funds and awareness for the children affected by running away. It is reported that 1 in 9 children is affected by running away with a quarter of young people who run away feeling that they have no alternative but to sleep rough.
Supporters braved freezing temperatures and to raise much needed funds to support SAFE@LAST in delivering its vital services for vulnerable young people which include work in schools, a helpline, ongoing support and an emergency refuge.
Mark Smith Operations Director said “We are awed that so many people took part on these three nights and are thrilled that the first BIG Sleepouts in Doncaster and Sheffield were such a success. SAFE@LAST relies on income generated through fundraising events to continue to deliver quality services to young people at risk through running away. Generally fundraising events haven’t raised as much this year as they have in previous years and so now we need all those that took part to collect as much sponsorship money as possible from friends and family in return for their ordeal. We only slept rough for one night with the promise of a comfy sofa and warm meal in the morning but young runaways have a totally different experience knowing that the next day they face more challenges and tough choices. Through money raised from events like these we can ensure that young runaways in South Yorkshire have a safer choice”
