LandAid’s biggest ever SleepOut has seen over 1,300 property professionals from across the UK come together to support young people experiencing homelessness.
As many braved the cold on Thursday 7 March, a steady flow of hot drinks was essential with over 2,500 cups of tea, 1,600 cups of coffee, 1,500 hot chocolates and 90 litres of milk consumed throughout the night across 7 locations, including Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Manchester.
This one night gave participants a glimpse into the harsh reality faced by thousands of young people across the UK every night. Sadly, we know the situation is worsening. Last year alone, 135,800 young people between the ages of 16-25 years presented themselves as homeless to their local council.
Support from the property and wider built environment industry has flooded in, with fundraising currently sitting at over £700,000.
Every penny raised will support local youth homeless charities, having a huge impact on communities across Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Edinburgh, Leeds, London, and Manchester.
These projects will look to provide accommodation, employment opportunities and wider peer to peer support for young people who are currently homeless or at risk of homelessness in the future.
Paul Morrish, LandAid’s Chief Executive, said: “Thank you so much to everyone who braved the freezing cold and slept out during the biggest LandAid SleepOut ever. While the experience gives everyone a very good idea of how tough sleeping outside is, one night outside does not replicate the true reality of rough sleeping faced by thousands. Sadly, we know that youth homelessness is a growing issue. The cost-of-living crisis is having an adverse effect on those most vulnerable, and we can see that nearly 136,000 young people approached their local council for housing support last year alone! Every penny raised from the LandAid SleepOut will make a profound difference to 16-25 years olds across the country who do not have a safe place to call home.”
Will Beardmore-Gray, Senior Partner & Group Chair at Knight Frank, said: “I am delighted that Knight Frank has supported the LandAid SleepOut, now in its sixth year! This event in seven locations across the UK, including Scotland for the second year running, importantly continues to raise awareness for this worthwhile cause. Young people experiencing homelessness remains a serious issue. Supporting the LandAid SleepOut will make a real difference to many who are facing the reality of living without a home.”
The LandAid SleepOut has been supported by headline sponsor Knight Frank, alongside regional sponsors, Prologis in Birmingham, TFT in Bristol, Birketts in Cambridge, Places for People and Touchstone in Edinburgh, HBD in Leeds, and Hill Dickinson in Manchester.
Venues across the country were generously donated by venue sponsors, Digbeth and Oval Real Estates, Umberslade, Cambridge University Rugby Football Club, Hibernian FC, Victoria Leeds, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield and Sale Rugby Football Club.
The event also received cardboard boxes from Crown Workspace and Kerr’s of Edinburgh for everyone to sleep on, and Hunter Ops, Colourpoint Group and The Luxury Property Forum kindly provided the signage required for each venue.
LandAid would like to congratulate those who completed a very challenging night and to give a huge thank you to all those who have helped make this event such a success!
Donations are still being accepted
Click below to offer your support and help end youth homelessness.