This year's 'big sleep out' re-launched as 'big sleep IN'

Aberdeen Cyrenians Sleep out event has been relaunched this year as a sleep in.

To help keep people safe during covid, people are being urged to host their own mini versions of sleep outs on the 10th of October. Highlighting World Homeless day and raising money for services which help homeless people.

In addition, the organisation are looking to get young people more involved than ever, distributing learning resources to schools.

Emma Bellu, fundraising manager said:

“The annual Sleep Out is a well recognised event in Aberdeen and plays an important part in supporting people experiencing incredibly difficult and overwhelming circumstances. With so many needing our help this year, we were determined to keep the spirit of the event alive, even if we had to make changes because of Covid.

There are lots of different ways people can get involved in the Big SleepIN: from holding a mini sleep-out in their garden or creating a makeshift indoor den to sleep in for the night or doing a sponsored sleep-walk in their PJs.

We’d be delighted to support people wanting to take part. An information pack can be downloaded from our website www.weareac.org or people can call us on 0300 303 0903 to sign up.”

Mike Burns, chief executive said: 

‘Having a home and a safe place to sleep is the best platform for recovery when someone is experiencing multiple challenges. Unfortunately, many vulnerable people experience homelessness and crisis in their lives. Aberdeen Cyrenians offers a lifeline of support to help people rebuild positive and meaningful lives.  

‘We understand that it can be difficult to talk to young people about homelessness as the issue is complex and can be very sensitive – The Big SleepIN resources equip educators with the knowledge to make discussing homelessness, poverty and safety easier, as well as encourage young people to take some practical action to change these issues in our city’.