Students to give up their beds to fight homelessness

Teesside University students are once again braving the cold in the Big Student Sleepout in an effort to raise thousands of pounds for charity.

Following the success of the first Big Student Sleepout which took place on campus last year, the University has launched a new campaign encouraging students to get involved in the next sleepout on Friday 6 December.

Around 40 students gave up their beds for one night last December to help raise money for some of the most vulnerable people in society.

That event saw almost £7,500 raised for charities the students chose to support, including the CEO Sleepout, Salvation Army, My Sisters Place, The Moses Project and Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Welfare.

The project is supported by CEO Sleepout – a national charity set up to fight homelessness and poverty across the UK. Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleepout, said: 'The overall philosophy is to encourage students to care and show compassion for those less fortunate for themselves, so that they understand the issues and can make decisions that foster a caring society once they leave University. We are delighted to be working with students at Teesside University again for the Big Student Sleepout.'

Anna Mockler, who took part in the sleepout as a student last year, said: 'This particular night was bitterly cold and you can’t help yourself thinking about how difficult it must be for people who have to experience that every night. It is fantastic to be able to raise so much money while also raising awareness about homelessness and poverty at the same time.'

Suzanne Withrington, Principal Lecturer (Enterprise & Business Engagement) in Teesside University Business School, took part in the sleepout alongside the students last year and is leading the project this time around.

Suzanne said: 'The first Big Student Sleepout was a very successful and thought-provoking event, and we’re delighted to be supporting it again this year. I would encourage all of our students to think about how they can support this fantastic cause and be socially and ethically engaged.'

Students are encouraged to sign up to take part through the Volun-tees website .

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