Local homelessness charity Julian House is calling on people to swap their beds for cardboard and sleeping bags for one night, as the Big Bath Sleep-Out returns to Alice Park on Friday 6th March.
Photo © Julian House
The fundraising event, which has been running since 2009, is back after a year off and invites participants to spend a cold night outdoors to raise money and awareness of homelessness.
It is free to take part for under-16s, while adults pay a £10 entry fee, which includes a hot breakfast.
All money raised through ticket sales and sponsorship will help keep Julian House’s vital services in Bath and across the region running.
The Sleep-Out has proved popular with groups of friends, colleagues and families over the years, with children as young as four joining in.
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, and 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.”
The charity says it is under increasing pressure from rising costs, growing demand and funding cuts.
It has already had to make difficult decisions to protect its long-term sustainability, including the recent closure of its Bike Workshop social enterprise on Corn Street in Bath city centre in October.
Despite the number of people needing help continuing to rise, Julian House warns that future funding is at risk, and that events like the Big Bath Sleep-Out are crucial to keeping its projects going.
Last year, the charity provided life-changing support to more than 2,000 vulnerable people who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness in Bath and across the South West.
