A HOMELESSNESS charity is calling on Basingstoke community to sleep outside for just one night to reflect on the challenges rough sleepers face every single day.

Julian House is bringing the ‘Big Basingstoke Sleep Out’ back to May’s Bounty Sports Ground on Friday, March 24, 2023.

Families, friends and colleagues are being challenged to sleep outside for just one night, swapping soft beds for sleeping bags and cardboard mats.

Event Organiser Gavin Osborn said: “The Big Sleep Out has been one of our most successful events in Bath for many years and we are delighted to bring it back to Basingstoke. As those who came along last year will agree, it’s a great way for the community to come together as well as a chance to reflect on the challenges rough sleepers face every single day”.

READ MORE: The new shops that opened in Basingstoke during 2022

Julian House has an outreach team on the streets of Basingstoke and Dean seven days a week, ensuring anyone who has been forced to sleep rough, or is leading a street-based lifestyle, understands the options available to them.  

The organisers are keen to emphasise that the event does not attempt to replicate homelessness.

Mr Osborn said: “After all, participants can go home in the morning, have a warm shower, put on dry and clean clothes, even go back to bed and catch up on sleep. Those sleeping rough often have no idea when they will next get a warm, dry bed. Our event is about raising awareness and much-needed funds to help homeless and vulnerable people.

Last year Julian House provided life-changing support to over 1,800 vulnerable individuals who were experiencing, or at risk of homelessness across Basingstoke, Bath, Bristol and the South-West.

SEE ALSO: Hundreds gather in Basingstoke to search for missing teenage girl

Julian House is encouraging people of all ages; families, friends and work colleagues, to sign up early and start their fundraising.

If you’d like to take part with a team or by yourself, go to julianhouse.org.uk/support-us/events/big-basingstoke-sleep-out/