On Thursday evening, March 2nd Eastern region property professionals slept out to raise funds to support young people facing homelessness.

The LandAid SleepOut fundraiser attracted record numbers in Cambridge this year with over 100 participants turning out to spend the night sleeping out in near-Zero-degree temperatures at the Cambridge University Rugby Union Football club.

Funds raised are being donated to YMCA Trinity, which focuses on supporting young people, helping them to realise their full potential on their journey from dependence to independence. Funds raised via the Cambridge SleepOut will be used to support the conversion of an office building in Ipswich into 36 move-on flats for young people who are currently living in accommodation with intensive support. The fully self-contained flats right in the heart of Ipswich will represent a first step towards fully independent living for this group.

Jonathan Martin, CEO, YMCA Trinity said: “The facility in Ipswich will enable young people to move on positively from hostel accommodation, but with the YMCA support still very much there to fall back on. This development is only possible with support from LandAid’s SleepOut for which we are extremely thankful. In addition, we have already benefitted from some LandAid pro bono help from Sweco Group PLC to get the project off the ground.”

LandAid is the property industry charity, working to end youth homelessness in the UK. It brings the property industry together to support charities delivering life-changing services for young people who are or have been homeless, or who are at risk of homelessness in the future. Through a unique network of corporate partners, it invests funds and expertise in projects which can achieve lasting impact.

LandAid SleepOut events were held across the UK this year, with nearly 1300 participants raising a total of £500,000. In addition to the Cambridge event, participants also slept out in Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol and London.

Paul Morrish, Chief Executive, LandAid commented: “At LandAid our mission is to end youth homelessness through harnessing the power and support of the property industry. Sadly, we know that the number of young people between the ages of 16-25 years who need housing support is growing. That’s where our annual LandAid SleepOut comes in, to raise much needed funds. Although an organised SleepOut can never replicate the hardship, hopelessness, loneliness, and fear of sleeping rough, night after night, it gives people an insight into this world and galvanises support for the cause. I’m delighted that the event went so well, and helped raise such a fantastic sum, and so grateful to everyone who helped, and took part.”

Leading regional property investor and developer, Howard Group was one of the organisations participating in the SleepOut. CEO Nicholas Bewes, along with five colleagues braved the weather to add their support, raising over £4,000. Nicholas added: “It was fantastic to be part of the event on Thursday with record breaking numbers of participants from across the property industry coming together in support of this incredibly important cause. The amount raised will make a significant impact as we work together to end youth homelessness, not only in our region, but across the country. It was a truly inspiring event and I add our thanks to all those that participated, either by sleeping out on the night or via sponsorship.”

The Cambridge LandAid Sleepout would not have been possible without the generous support of the Cambridge University Rugby Union Football Club, which hosted the event, regional sponsor Bidwells and national sponsor, Knight Frank. 

If you would like to support, donations are still being accepted for the 2023 SleepOut, which can be made at https://join.landaid.org/event/sleepout-2023/donate 

Find out more about LandAid here: www.landaid.org