The Big Sponsored Sleep Out 2022

Colleagues from Progress Lifeline raised £667 as part of the Big Sponsored Sleep Out, an initiative organised by Key Unlocking Futures (Key) to raise vital funds and awareness for homelessness.

Key, a subsidiary of Progress Housing Group, is a charity which helps people going through tough times to take back control of their lives.

Progress Lifeline's Alarm Response Centre supports the answering of homeless calls out-of-hours for several councils.

The event took place at Lancashire Football Association, in Leyland, on Friday 13^th May, from 8pm until 6am the following morning.

The Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Jane Bell, officially opened the event and talked to young people who have experienced homelessness and are now living in supported housing run by Key, as well as meeting those who took part in the sleep out.

There was a quiz and raffle, and people were encouraged to bring their own games, as well as sleeping bags, blankets, food and drink.

Ursula Patten, Operations Director at Key, which is based in Leyland, said:

“We were delighted to hold our very first sleep out this year at the LFA. We wanted to include as many families as we could in our sponsored event through a virtual sleep out, asking them to sleep out in their own gardens under the stars.

“It’s important we say that of course we know this type of activity could never compare to what it is really like to sleep rough, but it does enable us to shine a spotlight on homelessness and allow us to raise much needed funds for our charity.

“Money raised through the sponsorship event will allow us to continue to deliver much needed services across Lancashire.

“Key supports people to build brighter futures, by offering a range of services to help them to find a home, gain employment, connect with their community and boost their health and wellbeing.

“I’d also like to say a huge thank you to the LFA for providing its venue free of charge and to everyone who commits their time to get involved and raise sponsorships.”

To find out more about Key, visit their website here: https://www.keycharity.org.uk/