Stay Awake for Crisis

in-store or at www.barnardos. org.uk/get-involved/volunteer David Longmore Head of retail operations Barnardo’s

This past year has shown us more clearly than ever before just how important it is to have somewhere safe and secure to call home. Having a stable base and somewhere to put down roots is good for our mental and physical health and that includes being able to get a full night’s sleep.

Yet, on any given night, tens of thousands of families and individuals are facing the worst forms of homelessness across Great Britain. This includes people forced to sleep on our streets, having to drift from sofa to sofa, or stuck for months in unsuitable temporary accommodation. In England alone, over 200,000 households are experiencing this right now. Homelessness is not inevitable. Crisis works with thousands of people every year to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good. We won’t rest until homelessness is ended. That’s why we need your help. Without the safety or comfort of a home, it’s a struggle to get a good night’s sleep. This Early May Bank Holiday (April 30 - May 3), we are asking you to give up your usual eight hours a night and Stay Awake for Crisis. The challenge is to Stay Awake for 24-hours, all to raise money for people experiencing homelessness, helping to put them on a path to a secure home.

We know that staying awake morning, noon and night won’t be easy. Whether you chose to go it alone, do it as a relay with colleagues, or team up with family and friends, we have got loads of ideas and support to help you plan out how you will spend your hours and keep up your fundraising. From a 24-hour gaming marathon or midnight bake off, a yogathon or even some sponsored dog walks - you choose how you’ll keep yourself awake.

Join us as we Stay Awake and fundraise for those who do it night after night. To sign up, visit: www.crisis.org.uk/ stayawake

Jon Sparkes Chief executive Crisis