The second annual Big Skipton Sleep Out takes place tonight, with hundreds of people set to brave the wet and windy weather to help tackle hidden homelessness in Guernsey.
Last year’s event saw 150 people sleeping outside in the grounds of the KGV.
Even more are understood to have signed up ahead of tonight, with each asked to raise some sponsorship to support the ongoing work of Caritas and its modular housing initiative.
Graham Merfield, Chair of Caritas Guernsey, thanked each of them in advance for giving up their beds for the night.
“The response so far has been brilliant,” he said. “Every person who signs up brings us one step closer to creating a supportive, dignified environment for people who need it most. Last year’s funds made a real impact, and with the continued support of islanders, we can turn our vision into reality.”
This year’s participants include numerous individuals, family and friend groups, groups from schools, churches, and other charities, corporate groups including Carey Olsen and Canaccord Wealth Management, and a team of deputies.
Each person must be over 16, with under 18s being accompanied by an adult.
Sponsor and organiser of the event, Skipton International also has staff sleeping outside tonight as well as others helping to manage the proceedings.
Susan Fouquier, Chief Executive Officer of Skipton International, said they are committed to helping Caritas in its work to provide housing for those in need.
“Secure housing sits at the heart of what we do at Skipton,” she said. “When that stability isn’t there, the impact affects every part of someone’s life. That’s why we’re organising The Big Skipton Sleep Out, because it turns concern into action to help provide safe accommodation.”
1 in 64 people in Guernsey don’t have secure housing.
That number includes people who are already homeless and those at risk of homelessness. People who are sofa surfing or staying with friends or in hotels or other temporary accommodation.
All money raised from tonight’s Sleep Out will go towards Caritas Guernsey’s Community Project which is a modular housing initiative to provide safe accommodation and a pathway to independence for people experiencing homelessness or social exclusion.
Last year’s inaugural Skipton Sleep Out raised more than £40,000 for Caritas.
People taking part in tonight’s second Sleep Out will be at the KGV from 19:00 until 06:30 tomorrow.
They are allowed to take sleeping bags, cardboard, and other small items to sleep on or shelter under but tents are not allowed.
You can donate directly to Caritas here.
Anyone looking to support should get in contact via office@caritas.org.gg.
This event was postponed due to the weather. Further details to follow separately.