Simon on the Streets charity asking people to sleep-in to help the homeless across West Yorkshire

Next Friday night hundreds of West Yorkshire residents and families will participate in a fundraising event with a difference, when they pitch tents and camp out in their gardens in a major ‘sleep in’ to raise money for local charity, Simon on the Streets.

Over the years the sleepout events have raised tens of thousands of pounds to help rough sleepers in Leeds, Bradford and Kirklees areas but due to coronavirus restrictions, which ask people to stay at home, organisers have had to re-think.

They said the 'sleep-in', which could involve camping in the back garden or even sleeping in the living room, is already appealing to a wider audience.

Fahad Khan, development manager at Simon on the Streets, said: "The ‘Little Sleep In’ will be an extension to our renowned annual sponsored sleepout, where people spend the night under the stars in a city centre location. Our sleepouts have raised tens of thousands of pounds in recent years and are a mainstay in Yorkshire’s annual fundraising calendar. We’re hoping to replicate this success with ‘The Little Sleep In’, which is already appealing to a wide audience and is an opportunity to have fun and make a genuine difference during the current lockdown.”

‘The Little Sleep In’ starts at 8pm on Friday May 1. There is no minimum fundraising requirement and the event is already attracting families, couples, children and individuals, as well as groups sleeping in together ‘virtually.’

Income

Other fundraising events,which Simon on the Streets relies on for its income, have had to be cancelled and it is starting to have an impact on the work of the charity. However, its team of six full time outreach keyworkers are currently incredibly busy, out on the streets, ensuring the most vulnerable can eat and access accommodation, as well as advising on precautions to reduce the risks of contracting Covid-19.

Mr Khan added: "This will be a brilliant event to participate in and as far as we’re aware, it will be the first ever fundraiser of its kind. Participants can sleep anywhere in the home, apart from in their own bed. We’re encouraging people to be creative, which is what lots of homeless people have to do every night, so for those that don’t want to camp out, they could even build a den in their lounge to sleep in or spend the night in their garage.

"This all comes at a time when our work is more important than ever, and we are doing all we can to ensure the most vulnerable people in our society stay healthy and alive in these difficult times. This means explaining why hand hygiene and physical distancing is particularly important, and we’re also delivering food parcels and water, giving out antibacterial products, offering emotional support and working with homeless people to access emergency accommodation."

How to take part?

Anyone wanting to participate in ‘The Little Sleep In’ should visit www.littlesleepin.co.uk to download a fundraising pack. Alternatively email [email protected] or call 0113 3452270.