Award winning local homelessness charity Doorway, which supports homeless and vulnerably housed people across Wiltshire, is running it’s annual Sponsored SleepOut. The Sleepout raises money for Doorway’s services such as the drop-ins and groups, as well as raising awareness and offering a brief insight into what it’s like to sleep rough, with minimal protection from the elements.Join us for the Doorway SleepOut 2024! It’s going to be an unforgettable night of solidarity and support for those experiencing homelessness in our community. Get ready to sleep under the stars…..and rain! and raise awareness about this important issue.On Saturday, April 27, 2024, at 19:00, we will gather around the Bandstand at John Coles Park, Fleet Road, Chippenham, SN15 1NZ to embark on this unique experience together, enjoy music from local artists before you build your bed for the night and take on the challenge of sleeping out..and prepare yourself for a night under the stars and out in the elements …whatever the weather. Remember NO TENTS! St John’s Ambulance and night Sentries will be there all night to keep people safe.By participating in the Doorway SleepOut 2024, you will not only gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by homeless individuals but also contribute to our efforts in providing them with the support they need. Every penny that you raise in sponsorship will go back into Doorway’s services offering long-term positive change.We ask participants to aim to raise £150 in sponsorship, we won’t stop you from raising more though! The sky’s the limitThe event is not an experience of being homeless. We cannot imagine the realities of sleeping rough every night. We will return to the comfort of our homes the following morning, which is not an option for thousands of people. This event is an interesting way to raise vital funds, while having a challenging night.Sleepers can raise funds via the JustGiving page , or they can donate directly to Doorway via other platforms listed on the website here at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/doorwaysleepout2024You can register to participate and will need a ticket for each member of your group. You can register to participate in this year’s SleepOut here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/doorway-sleepout-2024-tickets-749817142257This year is Doorway’s 20th Anniversary and are aiming for a fundraising target of £20,000 and to exceed 50 participants. There is a small ticket fee to join this event and should get sponsorship for taking part in the event. Friends, families and school and work groups are welcome to join us and children over the age of 10 with an accompanying adult are welcome too. If you want to take part but have younger children, consider doing the sleepout at home, set up camp in your garden. Please email Sleepout organiser Sarah McClymont if you want to SleepOut at Home for Doorway and she will send you the supporting information to help you do this.There will be some local musical entertainment in the bandstand by local artists Meg, Junction 17 and Relayz, warm drinks and snacks available from the John Coles Park Kiosk before 10pm when we build our homemade cardboard shelters in readiness to bed down for the night ahead and a welcome hot drink and a bacon sandwich for breakfast in the morning, before you pack up and head back to the luxury of your nice warm beds.So, mark your calendars and spread the word! Let’s come together as a community and make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. See you there!For more information or if you would like to sponsor the event please contact Sarah McClymont at Doorway, [email protected] or call 01249 445385.