The Benjamin Foundation’s Sleep Out campaign is back for 2023 and they’re calling on local people and businesses to take part!

The Benjamin Foundation are hosting their annual ‘Sleep Out’ event at the Cloisters at Norwich Cathedral on Friday 6^th October. Can you spend one night outside so a young person doesn’t have to? Sleep Out challenges people to get sponsored to spend one night sleeping outside and has raised over £300,000 to support their work since 2015. The Benjamin Foundation are the regional partner of the EveryYouth movement which seeks to reduce the prevalence of youth homelessness across the UK. With an estimated 129,000 young people facing homelessness in the UK last year (source: Centrepoint), and the Foundation’s estimates suggest 3-4,000 here in Norfolk and Suffolk, this cause has never been more important. The Benjamin Foundation provides stability for young people at risk of homelessness to flourish on their journey to independence. Providing a safe home to around 250 young people each night, they also help them learn essential life skills, such as cooking and budgeting, and support their education and career aspirations while building their resilience and self-esteem. Eventually helping young people to move on to independent living and manage their own tenancies. This year, The Benjamin Foundation hosted a launch event for the campaign, which was attended by local dignitaries, businesses and previous supporters, including The Lord Mayor of Norfolk, James Wright (who has supported the Sleep Out events for many years) and the Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk, Caroline Jarrold, all showing out to celebrate the start of our 2023 Sleep Out campaign. The Benjamin Foundation are delighted to partner with the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce for the Norfolk campaign this year. Nova Fairbank, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, spoke at the launch event and had the following to say on why they are partnering with The Benjamin Foundation for campaign this year: “Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are delighted to be supporting the Benjamin Foundation for their 2023 Norfolk Sleep Out Campaign. We’re looking forward to sharing the latest updates with the business community and seeing them get involved with the campaign too. An event like Norfolk Sleep Out is vital to raise awareness of the challenges of youth homelessness and some of the Chamber team joining in the Sleep Out too. We are proud to collaborate with The Benjamin Foundation on their journey.” Speaking at the launch event, Matt Garrod, The Benjamin Foundation Director of Operations for Housing and Homelessness explained: “We were delighted so many people across different organisations and businesses were able to join us for our Norfolk 2023 Sleep Out Launch events. Interest in the launch event and the pending Sleep Out in October shows the deep concern our community has for young people who have experienced homelessness and a willingness to work collaboratively with The Benjamin Foundation to combat this issue”. The event this year is sponsored by Birketts LLP, who have participated in the campaign for many years. Jonathan Agar, the Chief Executive at Birketts, had the following to say: “Birketts is delighted to be sponsoring this year’s 2023 Sleep Out campaign. As long-time supporters of The Benjamin Foundation, we know just how important the charity is in tackling youth homelessness and helping young people who need it into safe homes. We are looking forward to this year’s event in October, joining many others in spending the night outside to raise much needed funds for our local community.” Manager of one of The Benjamin Foundation’s accommodation services, Ray Cook, knows first-hand how important the funds that are raised through Sleep Out are for the charity: “Sleep Out gives a tiny insight into the reality of young people having to sleep outside when they are homeless and without support or a safety net. Alongside raising awareness about this vital issue, the funds raised help us to provide them with the accommodation and help they need to get back on track, enjoy a better life off the streets and achieve their life goals.” Each of the EveryYouth member charities around the UK organise Sleep Out events each Autumn to help support young people to lead successful, independent lives, raising over £6M for the cause since its inception. Join the movement today! For the first time The Benjamin Foundation are offering a discount for early signups. Use the code EARLYBIRD at checkout to receive £10 off your booking, redeemable until 1^st August. Bookings for the Sleep Out event is now OPEN. Book your place today: NORFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 6^th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norfolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-611169653887 Based further afield? Join the Suffolk Sleep Out instead! SUFFOLK SLEEP OUT, Friday 13^th October: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-615746754117?aff=ebdssbdestsearch    Can’t attend but want to support ending youth homelessness in Suffolk? Make a donation to the campaign: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/norfolksleepout2023 Sleep Out is open to those aged 18 or over. For more information, please contact [email protected]