Swans Big Sleep Out aims to raise awareness of homelessness and some of its causes. Sleeping out for 1 night does not compare to the real thing but does give an idea and hopefully a better understanding of what some people are dealing with, especially as we move into the winter months, with nights getting longer, darker, and colder.

I have volunteered and worked with Matthew's House for 6 years and seen first hand the lifechanging impact that offering someone a safe and warm place to just be can have. Thousands of people in Wales are homeless or at risk of being homeless - a reality hitting many more people as the cost of living becomes far too high for people to cope! These charities are crucial in breaking the cycle of homelessness and deprivation for many people for the long term. Keeping them funded will make a massive difference this winter (and for many more to come).

Thom Lynch of Matthew's House described this as a "crucial event that helps to raise awareness of some of the complicated realities of homelessness and in particular sleeping rough...and it also highlights the work we do so that more people in the city can get involved."

Paul France, Head of Swans Foundation, said that the funds raised will "help make a positive change in how we support homeless people in Swansea, and will support the Foundation’s new programme working with people and families affected by addiction."