Residents are being invited to take a stand against homelessness in Bath this March, with the return of the Big Bath Sleep-Out charity fundraising event.
Photo © Ben Robins / Julian House
The event, taking place on Friday 1st March, will see members of the public spend one cold night in Alice Park to highlight the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.
By taking part in the challenge, participants will be raising funds so that Bath-based Julian House can help to rebuild and save lives.
Last year Julian House provided life-changing support to over 2,000 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol, and the South West.
Without the support of a charity like Julian House, the life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 44 years.
Rachel Avent, from Julian House said: “No-one is under any illusion that spending one cold night in Alice Park could possibly come close to the stark reality of being homeless and sleeping on the streets.
“People taking part in the Big Bath Sleep-Out may get cold and wet, however, the next morning those taking part can go home, have a warm bath, a nice breakfast, chat to family and friends about their experience or just catch up on lost sleep.
“The significant difference for people who are forced to sleep rough is that they do not have that option and no idea when their struggles will end.
“We want people to think about what the marginalised and homeless face every night and know that it is not a choice.”
“The event, which has been running since 2009 has proven popular with groups of friends; colleagues and families, with children as young as four taking part. Supporting the Sleep-Out gives members of the public the chance to empathise with those who are forced to sleep on the streets and raise sponsorship to help Julian House support them – not just changing lives – but often saving lives.
“As a charity we are facing scary times, with cuts in funding and escalating costs, so we need the residents of Bath and beyond to come together now more than ever and do this for one night only.”
Julian House encourages people of all ages, families, friends, and work colleagues, to sign up early and start their fundraising.
It’s free for anyone under 16 and £5 for adults to register. To take part, click here.
