On Friday 26th June were asking our supporters to join the team in sleeping in their gardens. If you dont have a garden, dont worry! You could maybe make your bed on a balcony or even sleep in a sleeping bag, on the floor, in your living room! Wed love to hear your plans for joining us so we can share your ideas with others. Since were all stuck in our houses so much at the moment, a night in the fresh air or in a tent can do wonders for the soul!

Participants in this event will be afforded with a unique insight into the conditions that many individuals who are experiencing homelessness face every day. In addition to the unpleasant nature of sleeping in uncomfortable circumstances and often unforgiving weather conditions, rough sleeping is a dangerous, isolating and often traumatic experience. Prolonged periods of rough sleeping can be hugely detrimental to a persons physical and mental wellbeing and can increase their risk of being subjected to violence and developing substance misuse issues. The number of people rough sleeping in England has increased each year since 2010 and an estimate of 4,677 rough sleeping in any one night in 2018 (Statistics from Homeless link), the importance of understanding homelessness is growing in significance. In light of this, we envisage that the Sleep Out will provide a powerful platform through which to foster increased awareness of the challenges that are faced by homeless individuals and families, every day.

In addition to raising awareness, the Back Yard Sleep Out provides a brilliant opportunity to raise funds to support the work of Pathways. We are fortunate to be able to provide housing and tenancy support, specialist mental health nursing, outreach services, emergency food and clothing provisions and groups for support, advice and companionship. Last year, we worked with 363 different people who were either homeless or at risk of losing their tenancy 154 of whom we were able to support into accommodation. However, we rely heavily on the contributions of regular supporters and one-off donations in order to continue this vital work.

Although our main office is closed, Pathways of Chesterfield continues to support the homeless community in Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover through the current public health crisis and fundraising is more important than ever when so many services have had to close their doors. We hope youll enjoy the Great Garden Sleep Out and we look forward to seeing you all on the 26th June.