The Big Skipton Sleep Out invites islanders to unite for the night

Skipton International has partnered with Guernsey charity Caritas to organise a mass overnight sleep out to raise vital funds for the charity’s modular housing project. ‘The Big Skipton Sleep Out’ will take place at the King George V (KGV) on Friday 24^th January 2025 from 7pm until 6.30am the following day. Participants will swap their beds for the night in an act of support for islanders experiencing homelessness, while raising funds for Caritas.

The charity recently announced its ambition to raise £1m and secure land to build an innovative modular housing community. The development will provide accommodation for people experiencing homelessness as they get back on their feet, providing them with a sense of community and restoring their dignity.

A 2023 States of Guernsey Indicators of Poverty report found that over 1,000 islanders are currently without secure housing, though the lack of clear definition for the term ‘homeless’ means this number could be much higher.[1] This roughly equates to 1 in 64 island residents, a startling number when compared to a 2023 report by Shelter which found that, by comparison, 1 in 182 are homeless in England.[2]

Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Commercial Officer at Skipton International, said: “The Skipton Big Sleep Out is the latest example in a long line of successful community focused events that we have supported in Guernsey, including Purple Monday, where we accompanied the Meals on Wheels service delivering gift bags to elderly residents, and various talks and careers events designed to inspire students to achieve their goals.

Skipton International has a proud record of giving first time buyers in Guernsey the opportunity to take their first step on the housing ladder. But sadly, some of the most vulnerable in our society are currently without a roof over their head. Our company values and ethos mean that we cannot turn a blind eye to islanders experiencing homelessness, and we are committed to doing what we can to help through supporting the valuable work of Caritas to provide a tangible solution to the homelessness crisis in Guernsey.

Several Skipton colleagues - myself included - will be taking part, and if you are able to participate, I encourage you to get involved and support Caritas in their vital work to help those in our society who find themselves without a roof of their own.”

Graham Merfield, Chairman at Caritas, commented: “We are indebted to Skipton for partnering with us in support of developing our modular housing community. I encourage as many islanders as possible to show solidarity with those experiencing homelessness by experiencing a night under the stars to raise funds for our vital cause.”

To find out the details and download the sponsorship form and information booklet, visit: www.caritas.org.gg/the-big-skipton-sleep-out-2025

Residents in Guernsey can register today by emailing their name and age (for themselves and for anyone else coming with them) to: sleepout@caritas.org.gg

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[1] Guernsey Indicators of Poverty Report, 25^th April, 2023: https://gov.gg/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=166881&p=0 

[2] At least 309,000 people homeless in England today, 4^th December, 2023: At least 309,000 people homeless in England today - Shelter England