LancsLive support Turf Sleepout

Now in its second year, the Turf Sleepout will be raising money for three charities with a goal of helping to support the most vulnerable people in our area.

Over 50 fundraisers took part in the event last year, raising more than £28,000. The aim this year is to generate even more funds and further increase awareness of the rising epidemic of homelessness in the UK.

According to official estimates, 4,677 people in the UK bedded down on the streets or in sheds and tents in 2018. This is 165% higher than in 2010, with areas of the North West heavily affected.

Luke Beardsworth, editor of LancsLive, said: “We are proud to be able to partner with Burnley FC in the Community for the Turf Sleepout.

“A family became homeless every three hours in Lancashire last year. If it was an illness, this would be considered a national crisis.

“People don’t choose to become homeless. Around half of renters in Lancashire would only have one month of rent saved if they were to lose their jobs tomorrow. The council has to spend thousands just to help people pay their rent.

“Homelessness can be caused by any number of issues, including changes to benefits, job losses and domestic abuse – all of which are huge issues for the county.

“Any money that we can help raise to support the most vulnerable people is much appreciated and we hope to see you at Turf Moor.”

Chief Executive Officer of Burnley FC in the Community Neil Hart, Managing Director of SafeNet Helen Gauder and Director of Emmaus Burnley and Emmaus Preston Stephen Buchanan are also urging other business leaders and Burnley FC fans to join them for the Turf Sleepout.

Neil Hart said: “It’s fantastic LancsLive have chosen to support the Turf Sleepout.

“We raised an incredible £28,000 from the event last year, with the funds supporting three worthwhile charities, Burnley FC in the Community, Emmaus Burnley and SafeNet Domestic Abuse Service for Jane’s Place Women’s Refuge, to carry out important work helping and supporting people from across the region who are facing a difficult time.

“The current statistics around homelessness are staggering and continue to grow, through the Turf Sleepout we aim to raise both awareness and funds to help tackle the issue. We look forward to spreading the word about the event with the help of LancsLive.”

Funds raised from the Turf Sleepout will be split equally between:

Burnley FC in the Community the award-winning, official charity of Burnley Football Club. The mission of the charity is to inspire, support and deliver change to communities across East Lancashire and West Yorkshire. The charity engaged with 33,000 individuals during 2018/19 and works with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our town.

Emmaus Burnley provides accommodation, support and work-based training and volunteering for up to 30 formerly homeless people.

Jane’s Place is a Complex Needs Recovery Refuge. It is the first of its kind in the North and offers safe and secure temporary accommodation for women and children at risk of domestic abuse who also have additional complex needs.

The Turf Sleepout will take place on Friday 15th November from 7pm to 7am (Saturday 16th November).

Registration is £15 and fundraisers are asked to raise a minimum of £250. Please note you must be over 16 to take part.

To register for the Turf Sleepout click here or contact Sinead Kennedy-Peers on [email protected] or 01282 704716.