On Thursday 7th November 2024, CEOs and business leaders from across Nottinghamshire came together for a powerful cause at the CEO Sleepout event held at Notts County’s Meadow Lane stadium. The annual fundraising initiative not only raised vital funds but also brought much-needed awareness to the growing issue of homelessness in the region.
CEO Sleepout is a national charity that unites the business community to take action against homelessness, raising money for frontline services and supporting individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. This year’s event saw local leaders set a fundraising target of £1,000 each, with all funds raised being split between the CEO Sleepout network, Notts County Foundation, Emmanuel House, and The Friary.
Emmanuel House provides crucial support for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Nottingham, while The Friary offers welfare services to local homeless and unemployed people.
The participants arrived at Meadow Lane in the evening, where they gathered to hear from key speakers before beginning the sleepout. Among them were representatives from Emmanuel House and Sam Crawford, Chief Financial Officer of the Notts County Foundation. Together, they highlighted the challenges faced by homeless people in Nottingham and the importance of supporting services that help them rebuild their lives.
One of the most moving moments of the night came when Wes Milligan, a guest of The Friary and former homeless individual, took the stage. Wes shared his personal story of homelessness, offering an honest and inspiring account of the struggles he faced in his early life. His emotional testimony was a reminder of the harsh realities many people face on the streets, and the vital role that charities like The Friary play in providing support and guidance.
‘’It was a fantastic turn-out for this year’s event, with a variety of businesses present for the CEO Sleepout. It’s always an honour to host at Meadow Lane, hearing from the charities and individuals that fight against homelessness every day.
There was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the night, and it shows what impact we can all have in just one evening. The harsh reality is that this is a typical night for those who are homeless, which is why the continued support from the charities involved in this year’s event continues to be paramount.’’ – Sam Crawford, Chief Financial Officer at Notts County Foundation
Professor Veronica Pickering, DL, Lord-Lieutenant for the County of Nottinghamshire, was also present to show her support for the event and the difference organisations like Notts County Foundation are making in local communities.
Participants soon braved the outdoors, laying out their sleeping bags and cardboard. The effort to replicate the resources that homeless people rely on daily was a reminder of the very real difficulties faced by those without stable housing.
In addition to the meaningful work of raising funds, the event also included moments of community. DoughNotts treated participants to free doughnuts, offering a sweet boost for those taking part. 200 Degrees Coffee provided fresh coffee throughout the night, ensuring the group stayed energised for their challenging experience. Nottingham’s Treat Kitchen not only took part in the sleepout but also provided a number of sweet and sour sweets for everyone involved. We also had samosas delivered by Vegetarian Rasoi. We are very grateful for all of their support.
As the night wore on, participants reflected on the difficulties homeless individuals face, while also taking pride in their contribution to a cause that will directly benefit local charities and services.
At 6am the following morning, the event concluded with a breakfast kindly served by Rapid Response Team, a proud sponsor of the CEO Sleepout network. The participants, having experienced just a small part of what it’s like to face homelessness, left the stadium with a deeper sense of understanding and a renewed commitment to supporting those who are most in need.
This year’s CEO Sleepout was a powerful demonstration of the business community coming together to fight homelessness, raise vital funds, and raise awareness about the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire. The funds raised will go on to support those facing homelessness, ensuring that local charities like Emmanuel House and The Friary can continue their life-changing work.
Thank you to everyone who took part, supported, and donated. A heart-felt thanks also goes to Nottingham City Business Club for their huge support throughout the event.
