Sponsored by Birketts LLP Supported by Norfolk Chambers of Commerce We were delighted to be asked to attend and support the launch event for this year’s Sleep Out run by charity The Benjamin Foundation. The Benjamin Foundation was set up in 1994 by Richard and Vanessa Draper following the loss of their son Benjamin in a motorcycle accident at the age of 17. With a range of services focusing on housing and homelessness, life and work skills, emotional wellbeing, youth, community, and family support The Benjamin Foundation offers vital services to young people in our region. Nova our CEO was asked to speak on behalf of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce highlighting the support that we are offering with the launch of their yearly sleep out campaign. Nova highlighted the importance of helping young people in our region to grow, and supporting the next generation of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals. She went on to outline our Co.next programme which has been designed to empower young people under the age of 35 with a programme of events specifically designed for them. We also heard from Ray Cook who is the Service Manager at Linden House, which is a safe home supporting young people aged 16-18. Ray explained the services he and his team offer and the audience were invited to ask him questions about the safe home and what it provides. It was extremely heartwarming to hear the success stories that Ray told about young people in their care, specifically about a young lady who had some severe challenges but had turned her life around and was now studying at University. The event not only highlighted the work that The Benjamin Foundation do for our young people but also went on to explain how we could all take part in this year’s Seep Out. There are 2 venues for the Sleep Out this year, The Cloisters in Norwich on Friday 6th October 2023 and Ipswich Town Football Club in Suffolk on Friday 13th October 2023. A big thanks to all the amazing speakers: Matt Garrod – Director of Operations, Housing and Homelessness Stephanie Purcell – Events and Engagement Manager Joshua Antcliff – Fundraising Officer Nova Fairbank – CEO (Norfolk Chambers of Commerce) Ray Cook – Accommodation Service Manager Details on how to book your Sleep Out place can be found via the following links Norfolk Sleep Out Friday 6th October 2023 The Cloisters, Norwich Cathedral https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/norfolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-611169653887 Suffolk Sleep Out Friday 13th October 2023 Ipswich Town Football Club https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/suffolk-sleep-out-2023-tickets-615746754117
