Framework: Nottingham homeless charity’s Big Sleep Out event to raise awareness of city’s rough sleeping

More than 150 people will be taking part in Framework’s Big Sleep Out by spending the night in sleeping bags at Nottingham Racecourse.

Framework’s Big Sleep Out on Saturday, October 7 aims to raise funds to tackle homelessness.

Their aim is to raise more than £30,000 with the money going to help rough sleepers into accommodation.

Claire Eden, Framework’s head of fundraising and communications, said: “Rough sleeping in Nottingham has increased by 4 per cent in the past year.

“The combined impact of the shortage of affordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis is having a devastating effect on people’s lives: working people are finding they cannot afford the rent and people who are sofa surfing are no longer welcome due to the extra burden on crippling household costs.”

Some of those among the 150 signed up are 80 representatives of Central Notts Scouts that are taking part.

‘A real challenge’

Dani Blackman, ADC Activities and Events for Central Notts Scouts, said: “Numbers taking part in the Big Sleep Out have been increasing gradually over the last couple of years and the young people are always so proud to show their support for Framework.”

The Scouts aim to beat last year’s target when they raised more than £1,000.

Among the businesses taking part will be a team from The Campbell Clinic, a West Bridgford-based specialist private dental practice, who hope to raise £500.

Kath Hare, research manager, said: “There are five of us taking part and none of us have done anything like this at all!

“We are nervous, excited and proud to be taking part. It’s a real challenge for us all, and great to be taking part as a team.”

This event does not aim to replicate rough sleeping, but every penny will go towards supporting rough sleepers, building new homes and helping people live stable and independent lives.

A fundraising sleep out in Nottingham has taken place almost every year since the 1990s at various locations across the city.

Sam Lanes, who runs Framework’s street outreach team, working with rough sleepers across Nottingham every day of the year, said: “The Big Sleep Out gives some insight into what people who are sleeping rough experience every night and raises so much awareness and money to help those individuals.”

If you want to take part, you can still sign up for Saturday here..