More than 150 people have signed up for Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out event which is expected to raise more than £50,000 for young people affected by homelessness in Manchester.

The event will take place at the iconic Victoria Baths this Thursday evening and into Friday morning.

It is the second Sleep Out event that Centrepoint has organised in the city with last year’s inaugural event taking place at the London Road Fire Station.

Again this year participants will be bedding down in an unheated building to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by some homeless young people.

Over 70 staff from Manchester’s Co-operative Bank will be taking on the challenge as they sponsor the event and continue to support Centrepoint through a charity partnership.

Money raised from the event will help Centrepoint to continue supporting more than 2,000 young people in Manchester who are affected by homelessness.

While Sleep Out doesn’t aim to replicate the reality of homelessness, it is hoped that those taking part will broaden their understanding of the challenges faced by those who unfortunately find it as their reality; sleeping on the floor, facing the cold and getting through the next day with very little sleep.

The event will be hosted by former cast member of The Bill and Hollyoaks, and long-standing Centrepoint ambassador, Lisa Maxwell.

Lisa said: “Homelessness in Manchester is such a pressing concern for us all and it is especially worrying when you hear, and see, the scale of the issue in the city.

“It’s brilliant that we have an event like Sleep Out, to not only highlight the issue, but to also raise money to help prevent youth homelessness and to continue supporting those who are affected.

“So I’m delighted to be supporting the Manchester Sleep Out for a second year and I’m looking forward to seeing the amazing venue and all the brilliant people taking part in this year’s event.”

Ben Bowden, Regional Fundraising Manager at Centrepoint, said:

“Our Sleep Out event is a fun experience, but it has a serious side to it. Homelessness in Manchester is on the increase and it is vital that we continue to raise awareness and funds to try and break the cycle.
“Sleep Out is a chance for you to say that youth homelessness is not acceptable and help Centrepoint provide futures for young people who find themselves in terrible circumstances.”

Andrew Bester, CEO of The Co-operative Bank said:

“We’re proud to sponsor a second Sleep Out Manchester event in support of our charity partner Centrepoint. Last year’s event was a great success and we’re hoping to build on that and raise even more money to aid Centrepoint’s work with homeless young people in Manchester who so urgently need help and support to get out of crisis.

“We’ve been working with Centrepoint in Manchester since the spring of last year and together our customers and colleagues have raised over £775,000 to support the work Centrepoint do in the city and across the country.”

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