SAFE@LAST in sleep-out rallying call

The BIG Sleepout, SAFE@LAST’s signature event, is returning for the fifth year to raise funds and awareness of the charity’s work across the county. Since the first BIG Sleepout in 2007, over 1,000 people have taken part and slept rough for one night, raising over £70,000.

The event helps to give participants an insight into what it could be like for the many thousands of young runaways who find themselves sleeping rough. Those taking part have to forgo all comforts for the night as they are only allowed basic items to keep warm such as a sleeping bag and cardboard box.

In order to continue their work and deliver vital services, SAFE@LAST has to fundraise and every penny raised through the BIG Sleepout will make a huge difference.

This year the charity hopes to have over 500 people sleeping rough across four dates and venues — on October 19 at Parkgate Shopping in Rotherham; September 28 at Lakeside Village in Doncaster; October 5 at The Core in Barnsley and October 12 at Don Valley Stadium in Sheffield.

Fund-raising officer Barbara Raszyk said: “The BIG Sleepout provides a chance for us to highlight the struggles young runaways face and for people to have a small taste of what sleeping rough on the streets might be like. “When children sleep rough they do it because they feel they have no other choice.

“They do it because they judge their other options as worse than a cold, lonely, dirty night on the streets.

“The money raised at these events will help us to continue to ensure that young people across South Yorkshire know they have a safer choice.”

For more information about The BIG Sleepout and SAFE@LAST and to register for the event visit: www.thebigsleepout.co.uk

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