Brighter Futures of Stoke-on-Trent is celebrating it’s 50th Birthday by hosting the Big Brighter Sleep Out in the city centre on Friday the 26th of September to raise awareness & vital funds to help provide Winter essentials to rough sleepers and those facing homelessness across the city.
Brighter Futures are a non-profit provider of social housing and supported accommodation and have been supporting those with housing needs and homelessness for just over 50 years with a mission to help people live well, thrive and connect with their communities.
The team at Brighter Futures are inviting volunteers and supporter to get a real sense of what rough sleepers go through night after night, by joining the Sleep Out which will take place on the grass of Smithfield, Hanley.
Those wanting to take part in the event will make a valuable contribution to the vital work Brighter Futures undertakes with their Rough Sleeper Outreach Team who work in the city every night of the year. Supporters will need cardboard to bed down on, a sleeping bag, a sense of community, and a willingness to make a difference for the most vulnerable people in our community.
With the support of Genr8, Staffordshire Police, Regent Theatre, The Centenary team, Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Stoke-on-Trent City Centre BID, there will be entertainment and activities taking place from 7-10.30pm followed by ‘quiet time’ from 11pm to 5.30am when breakfast baps will be provided.
Maxine Bradbourn, CEO of Brighter Futures said
‘We’re incredibly proud to launch the Big Brighter Sleep Out. Rough sleeping is on the rise, not just in our city, but nationally. Through this event, we’re standing up for those facing homelessness, raising awareness, and challenging the stigma. The money raised will make a real difference, enabling us to provide essential winter packs for rough sleepers, and helping to make the coldest months of the year slightly more bearable. By hosting the Sleep Out in the outdoor area of Smithfield, we want to gain a small insight into what many individuals experience night after night. We’re thrilled to be teaming up with some fantastic partners, including the BID Team, Smithfield Works, the New Vic and Regent Theatres, and the Stoke-on-Trent Centenary Team. Thank you to our amazing partners for helping make this happen!’
To find out more about the event, visit https://www.brighter-futures.org.uk/get-involved/bbso/ or contact Francesca Potts on Francesca.Potts@brighter-futures.org.uk.
