Roundabout launches November Sleep Out challenge

16th September 2015

SLEEPING rough is a harsh and frightening reality for young people who find themselves without shelter and living on the streets of Sheffield.

But now city young people's homeless charity Roundabout is asking members of the public to discover for themselves what rough sleeping can be like by taking part in a Sponsored Sleep Out. Roundabout supports 150 homeless young people every day and has the only emergency hostel in Sheffield for young homeless people aged 16 to 21. The charity's Sleep Out part of a national network of sleep out events - will be taking place at Creative Arts Development Space (CADS) in Smithfield, Sheffield, on November 12. And the money raised will go directly towards funding the charity's Homeless Prevention Service, which offers advice and support to young people aged 16 to 21 who are close to becoming homeless due to the breakdown of family relationships. The first half of the evening will feature games, food and entertainment from local bands, but from midnight the really tough challenge begins. -We are asking our supporters to get sponsored to brave the cold winter night to help us raise money to provide a safe place for young people and prevent them from sleeping rough in the future, said Roundabout Fundraising and Communications Manager Ruth Gage. -Of course an event like this cannot truly replicate what it is like to be lonely, frightened, cold and homeless but it can help to make a real difference to those many young people who, through no fault of their own, face these terrible challenges every day. -Last year we raised £11,000 with a similar event and we are hoping to do even better this year, ensuring that our Homeless Prevention Service continues to provide young people the support they need to ensure they do not end up on the streets. The event begins at 8pm and will finish with breakfast provided free by local company Nourish the following morning at 7am. There's an Early Bird registration fee of just £10 per person available throughout September, going up to £15 per person from October 1. For teams there's a 'register three and get the fourth person free' offer of just £30 throughout September, going up to £45 from October. Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £100 through sponsorship, whether this is individually or as part of a team. To register to take part, visit https://endurancecui.active.com/event-reg/select-race?e=25433253 For any further questions or information about the event, call Ruth Gage on 0114 2536753 or email rgage@roundaboutltd.org