CEO Sleepout planning Kent return in 2023

By Sam Pither

22 February 2023

Share

The Business Magazine article image for: CEO Sleepout planning Kent return in 2023

Last year the event raised £24,000 for homelessness charities.

Following the success of its first ever event in the country last year, CEO Sleepout is returning to Kent in 2023.

At last year’s event, 24 participants raised £24,000, with organisers hoping they can raise £30,000 this year with 18 CEOs already signed up and the opportunity for more.

Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “No city in the UK is immune to homelessness. It’s time for leaders to step up and realise the power they have to make changes within their business ecosystems and communities that will strengthen the fabric of society.

“While I can’t promise a good night’s sleep, what I can promise is that by taking part you will unlock compassion within you to help.”

Money raised at CEO Sleepout events goes to charities on the frontline helping to reduce the levels of homelessness in their area.

This year, CEO Sleepout will support Porchlight, Only A Pavement Away, Walking With The Wounded and Leeds Castle Foundation. Porchlight is Kent’s leading homelessness charity and last year, it supported more than 8,300 people who were experiencing homelessness, poverty, mental health problems and more.

Jo Skelton, the strategic partnerships manager at Porchlight spoke of her delight at being chosen as one of the charities to benefit from this year’s event. She said: “Funding for our homelessness services is being cut, so we're extremely thankful for CEO Sleepout's support.”

The charity recently launched an emergency appeal and is hoping to raise £1m to keep its vital services running as the number of people needing Porchlight’s help is expected to increase further due to the cost of living crisis and Kent’s lack of affordable housing.

Speaking to those who will spend a night in the cold, Jo said: “We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the CEOs and businesses who take part in the sleepout this year. Their time, commitment and support and the donations that each one of them will generate will really make a difference.”

Taking part in her second CEO sleepout is Stephanie Goad, CEO of Golding Homes is passionate about tackling homelessness. She said: “It is a particular problem in Kent where there is a real shortage of affordable homes and support for those at risk of homelessness.”

As a trustee of Porchlight, Stephanie said: “Never has there been a time of greater need as statutory agencies are themselves under pressure and are cutting their funding on homelessness services.

“To anyone considering doing the sleepout, don’t think about it, just do it. The time for action is now.”

So far, CEO Sleepout events have raised £3.6 million to support those affected by homelessness across the UK.

By Sam Pither

Sam is the Regional Editor of Biz News, responsible for both Hampshire and Dorset.

A new recruit to journalism, Sam started writing for the Business Magazine as a freelancer in May of 2022 after completing his degree in English at University College London. His passion for local businesses and ability to tell a story soon caught the attention of the publication’s management team and have led to his meteoric rise.

Sam, who lives in central Reading, takes a particular interest in technology, gaming and food and drink, having been a chef before starting his degree.