Big Summer Sleep Out returns to raise money for homeless charity
People living in Worthing are being challenged to ditch their beds tonight
Worthing residents are being called on to ditch their bed tonight and find a different place to sleep, to raise money for a local homeless charity.
Turning Tides is putting on the Big Summer Sleep Out in order to raise money after supporting a record number of over 900 local people experiencing homelessness last year.
The challenged invites people to sleep anywhere but their bed, whether it's their bath, under the stairs, or out under the stars. Each participant will aim to raise £85, enough money for a day's emergency support to as many as 25 local people.
Over 350 people took part in last year’s fundraiser. Among them are Central Councillors Sally Smith and Councillor Rosey Whorlow who have signed up again this year.
Councillor Rosey explains why she signed up again: “Last year’s Big Summer SleepOut really brought back memories of when I myself had been homeless. I was about 17 years old at the time and had been really struggling to make ends meet. Sadly I couldn’t keep up with the rent and was evicted from my bedsit. I spent a couple of months sofa surfing which tested friendships to the limit. Then I finally found a tent and set up camp on the Downs. It was terrifying and I was so vulnerable.
"Taking part in this event gives you a slight glimmer into what it must be like. When everyone thinks of Summer, you think it would be easier to Sleepout as opposed to the Winter. Each season brings with it a different set of problems to counter. You are on high alert to any noises in your surrounding area. I will be in my back garden for the event but it took me straight back to those awful months when I camped alone – nights seemed terribly long.
"I'm so behind the work of Turning Tides because I know how vital their services are. Awareness raising events such as the SleepOut are so important, not only because it helps raise vital funds to continue and grow their much needed services; it also helps others understand a little of what someone might go through when they don’t have a home to go to.”