Newcastle United Foundation call for North East business leaders to help tackle homelessness

Newcastle United Foundation’s bid to support the North East community will see the charity targeting its largest ever sleepout fundraiser to help tackle homelessness and displacement in the region.

The official charity arm of Newcastle United will host the CEO Sleepout Newcastle challenge in March 2023, encouraging North East business leaders to exchange comfort and warmth for one night sleeping on the concrete stands of St. James’ Park.

Entrepreneurs, managing directors, the Foundation aim to raise over £100,000 to support vulnerable people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, addiction, or long-term unemployment.

Figures released last month by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities show that in England alone, there are 72,210 households assessed as homeless or threatened with homelessness between April and June this year – a 1.3 per cent increase since last year.

Steve Beharall, Chief Executive of Newcastle United Foundation, said: “It can be difficult to imagine living without shelter or having somewhere safe to stay at night, however we know this is a reality for so many here within our communities in the North East.

“CEO Sleepout Newcastle is an opportunity to understand more about homelessness and its impact. We would encourage as many members of the region’s generous business community to join us and to support those most in need.”

Running overnight on Thursday, March 23, 2023, from 8pm until 6.30am on Friday, March 24, 2023, temperatures are expected to hover around freezing. But the Foundation anticipate dozens of executives will be braving the cold for North East charities working to reduce poverty.

Spaces are now available to get involved with CEO Sleepout Newcastle with fundraisers encouraged to raise £1,000 for the cause.

Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleepout UK, said: “I’m thrilled that the Newcastle United Foundation will host CEO Sleepout at St. James’ Park for the eighth time.

“There’s no doubt that Newcastle’s business leaders have proven themselves to be some of the most enthusiastic when it comes to fighting poverty and homelessness – that’s why we call them ‘generous Geordies’.

“It’s now an annual fixture on the business events calendar and I look forward to seeing our repeat sleepers and those seeking a new, eye-opening challenge on March 23.

“I’m not promising a good night’s sleep, but it could be one of the best nights of your life because you could change somebody’s life.”

Since 2014, CEO Sleepout events in Newcastle have raised £470,000 to support organisations providing guidance to people in crisis who face eviction from accommodation or who are at risk of losing their home.

Funds raised during the sponsored sleepout will be split between Newcastle United Foundation, CEO Sleepout and worthy North East charities. The charitable organisations aim for at least 100 individuals to join the challenge.

The Foundation will use donations to support employability projects like its Street Football programme – free weekly sessions using sport to engage vulnerable young people and adults who may be facing homelessness or unemployment, recovering from drug and alcohol addiction, or dealing with mental health issues.

For further information, visit ceosleepout.co.uk or email foundation.events@nufc.co.uk

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