Homelessness is something that has always been very close to me due to having experienced this myself many years ago. I have always donated cash to homeless people, taking them for lunch if i walk past and have the time, always buying a Big Issue and often after a few beers I have found myself sat next to them in the street for a chat before heading home.

Why? I can only assume its a result of having experienced Homelessness as a child. Being brutally honest with you all now! About 40 years ago as a school child my family (Mum and Step Dad) suffered some challenges which resulted in us losing everything and moving from one temporary accommodation to another, this ended up with us living in a make shift hostel for homeless and immigrants for a time, before finally being relocated to Thamesmead Council Estate in South East London where I spent the remainder of my teenage years.

I think that uncertainty and not having that “Home” is why i have always had an emotional tie to these charities, it also explains why as I have progressed through life I have found myself having a “If I can spare it, I will share it” attitude. Because it makes you value what you have and I try and balance the same at home, between giving my kids everything I can, but not so much that they don’t appreciate what they have. I am sure we all understand that challenge!

My family and I have been in our current home for nearly 15 years. Of which with exception of maybe 18 months we have always had a friend or family member and sometime’s their children live with us, as and when they have needed shelter and a place to call home. Some people find this strange! We now don’t know any different!

So, I have decided my first Charity effort of 2023 will be to sleep rough for a night to raise Money for “CEO Sleep Out”. I hope it gets a bit warmer before March!

I know money is tight, so all i ask is please Like & Share my post, if your can spare a few quid then thank you so so much. Let’s try and get somewhere safe, warm and something that resembles a home for as many people as we can.

Thank You all Steve