Eye-opening sleep-out is back at park
It will still be cold on March 4, 2022, two weeks before the first day of spring, and the team at Julian House is challenging people to sleep rough for the night.
The aim is to raise awareness and money to support homeless people in Bath, and this time people can sleep out in their own gardens or on the balcony if they have one.
“By giving our supporters the option, we hope the event will appeal to a wider audience and encourage more people to take a step out of their comfort zone,” said Jess Gay, event organiser.
The sleep-out event usually happens in Alice Park, and will also be taking place there this year. Due to the pandemic in 2020, Julian House encouraged participants to sleep out at home. This year the hybrid event will include both options.
“It gives people the option to join this special eye-opening event wherever they are and raise money and awareness to help people who are forced to sleep out every night,” said Jess. “The camaraderie in Alice Park always astounds me and I am delighted we are returning to in-person events. But if people do wish to join from home, we’re running a series of live streamed events and talks so we can be together and feel part of a collaborative mission.”
The life expectancy of a long-term homeless person is just 44 years, but last year Julian House provided lifechanging support to more than 1,500 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness across Bath, Bristol and the South West.
“Anyone living in Bath knows the importance of helping the local charities that support men, women and children without homes,” said Cherie-anne Baxter, marketing director of financial advisors Unividual, which is sponsoring the event.
“When we sit down every day to help clients manage their money, few people realise many of us are just one pay cheque away from living on the streets.
“It only takes one failed relationship, the death of a loved one or a closed business,” she said.
“The best thing anyone can do when seeing someone sleeping on the streets is to think how can I help get them back on their feet instead of stereotyping people.”
You can sign up early for the challenge at www.bigbathsleepout.co.uk
Families, groups of friends and colleagues are all welcome.