Nottingham charity Framework has launched its annual Big Sleep Out campaign to raise vital funds to help get the growing number of local rough sleepers off the streets.

The Big Sleep Out is inviting teams from local businesses to sign up to spend the night in a sleeping bag at Nottingham Racecourse on Saturday 7 October. It’s a chance for employers to make a difference and support their employees to take part as a team and pledge funds that will go directly towards helping rough sleepers in Nottingham.

It comes at a time when the charity’s Street Outreach Team found 57 people sleeping rough in Nottingham alone. This is the highest monthly figure this year and the highest number for August in the past five years.

Long term supporters Tesco and Campbell Clinic are already on board for 2023 with Tesco saying “we are really privileged to support such a great event.”

Campbell Clinic added: “The Campbell Clinic dental practice has supported Framework for several years through our Social Legacy Project. Recently, some of our staff spent a few hours with Framework’s Street Outreach Team and this has inspired us to get involved in the Big Sleep Out as a sponsor. We are proud to be supporting this event and looking forward to some of our staff taking part.”

Framework delivers housing, health, employment, support and care services to people with a diverse range of needs across the East Midlands in Derbyshire, Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North East Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and in Sheffield.

Regardless of their past, or the challenges they face, the charity strives to empower people to achieve financial stability, social inclusion and independence, driven by the belief that everyone has the right and potential to achieve a better future.

Framework’s head of fundraising and communications, Claire Eden said: “We need the help of the business community now more than ever to support the increasing number of people who will experience the trauma of rough sleeping this winter, many of them for the first time.”

All the businesses who take part will be recognised by Framework on its social channels and given a toolkit to use in their own communications to help spread awareness and their support.

There are also sponsorship opportunities available which include the programme and website, a stall at the Big Sleep Out village, and across social media. Companies can also sponsor one of the dedicated areas such as the Silent Disco, Children’s Area or Cinema.

Framework’s event fundraiser Natalie Dickson who is organising the Big Sleep Out says:  “The Big Sleep Out is the chance to be part of something worthwhile for a good cause. It attracts individuals, groups of friends, families, community groups such as scouts, as well as teams from local businesses. In fact, our corporate supporters often tell us what a powerful and emotive experience it is – team building that makes a difference!

“Sleeping outside in the elements for a single cold October night is challenging enough but, unfortunately, it’s something more and more people have to endure every night.

“Framework’s Big Sleep Out is an opportunity for like-minded people to come together, enjoy a great evening and raise funds for a deserving cause – helping people in need by sleeping out so others don’t have to and providing support that can change lives.”

Companies interested in sponsorship can email Natalie.Dickson@frameworkha.org 

Sign up at www.frameworkha.org/sleepout to receive a toolkit to get started on fundraising.