Sleep on the floor at home or in the garden to support Northampton Hope Centre this month

Northampton Hope Centre is calling on people to sleep on the floor in their homes or gardens to raise money this month.

The homelessness charity has changed its annual Big SleepOut fundraiser to the Big SleepOut/In because of the current coronavirus lockdown.

All people of any age need to do is pay the sign up fee and pitch a tent or make a den on a hard floor for the night on January 29, with events held over Zoom.

Hope Centre community and events fundraiser Tanya Haji-Miller said: “We are really excited to share our plans and now to be able to extend the event to supporters of all ages.

"It is a safe, interactive event, that everyone can join in, even those isolating. A great chance for people to come together virtually to support those in need.”

Hope’s Big SleepOut has been a highlight of the fundraising calendar for more than a decade and gives people an idea of the situation many people find themselves in each night on the streets of Northampton.

The virtual event is not designed to replicate what it is like to sleep rough but will give participants time to think about those less fortunate than themselves while supporting those in need.

During the evening, there will be packed schedule of events all available via Zoom, including a quiz, a chance to hear from Hope’s service users about their experiences, shelter building, cooking and a bedtime story.

There is also a special children’s pack containing shelter building ideas, colouring in ideas, facts and information about the event.

The pack has been specially designed to help young supporters keep busy in lockdown and to encourage them to think of others less fortunate than themselves and support Hope along the way.

Tanya continued: “We need your support now more than ever. This event may be different to the original, however, I am sure our family of supporters will rise to the challenge.

"Please do get involved and help raise funds, to bring Hope in these challenging times.”

The Hope Centre’s events income has been greatly reduced by Covid-19 but the team is determined that Hope’s BIG sleepOut/In is a safe way for supporters young and old and those who are isolating to join in and support the charity.

Sara Homer, chief executive of Brackmills Business Improvement District, has joined in with the event for the past five years and is encouraging others to get involved, raise money and gain from the experience.

“I am sad that Hope’s Big SleepOut can’t take place in its usual format, however, I am glad that I can still participate in my own way and help raise some much-needed funds for this worthwhile, local charity," she said.

“I have been involved with the Hope Centre for many years now and the Big SleepOut has become for me an annual event. Wind, rain, sleet, and snow we are out there.

"This helps you have a better understanding of what these people endure whilst living rough.

"For me it is a great way of raising money and giving back to the men, women and children who unfortunately find themselves sleeping on the streets of Northampton through no fault of their own.”

Entry is £5 for under 18s and £10 for adults. Sign up at hopecentrebigsleepout2021.eventbrite.co.uk or email [email protected]