This year’s Big Bath Sleep-Out saw over 300 people sleeping outside on Friday 6th March, to raise vital awareness and funds to support men and women suffering from homelessness across the area.
The event, which celebrated its 11th anniversary this year, welcomed local families, groups of friends and work colleagues to Alice Park and saw them ditching their beds for one night to help raise much-needed funds and awareness for Julian House and its increasing number of homelessness projects.
Event organiser Jessica Gay said she was delighted that so many people had taken part.
She said: “We are so pleased that so many people were willing to forego their normal creature comforts and warm homes for the night.
“Obviously sleeping out for one night doesn’t come close to the realities of homelessness.
“It does however give people the chance to empathise with those who are forced to sleep rough every night and those that took part certainly did just that.
“It was very heart-warming to see so many children who had encouraged their families to take part with them!
“Primary school children from WASPS, Midsomer Norton Primary, Longvernal Primary, Paragon School and Swainswick Primary took part alongside older children and students from Kingswood School, Corsham School and St Gregory’s Catholic School.
“We also had some great groups from local businesses and community groups including Actual Experience, The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Insight6, HPH, Selwood Housing, B Hairdressing, Future Publishing and Peasedown Methodist Church to name a few.
“So far the online donations are running at £45,000 which is outstanding – and there will be more donations coming in throughout March.
“Thank you to everyone who took part and raised sponsorship and to everyone who made it happen.
“Tony and the team at Alice Park Café continued their support of the event by serving hot drinks and snacks and then serving very welcomed bacon rolls for the participants in the early hours of the morning.
“Special thanks also go to all the volunteers who helped on the night as well as Bath Boules Charitable Trust for their financial support and Mines Leisure for donating the use of the admin and emergency shelter tent.”
To find out more about Julian House and how the charity supports and helps change the lives of vulnerable men and women suffering from homelessness, visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk.