Celebrities brave the cold to Sleep-Out for Centrepoint

‘Sleep-Out’ took place at Leadenhall Market on Thursday 13^th November, 2008. Celebrities whose lives had been touched by homelessness joined nearly 100 people from businesses and Centrepoint itself. They sacrificed their bed for the night to help us raise over a quarter of a million pounds to house and support homeless young people over the challenging Christmas period. The event also aimed to highlight the numbers of young people who do not have a safe place to call home.

Richard Blakeway, Director of Housing at the Greater London Authority, spoke about the problems of rough sleeping in London and outlined the Mayor's plans to tackle the problem.

Celebrity supporters giving up their beds included Ed Mitchell, the former ITN newsreader who last year was sleeping rough on a park bench after being declared bankrupt. He has since turned his life around and is supporting Centrepoint because of the vital work it does with homeless young people.

Ed Mitchell said: “320 days ago I was on the sea front in Hove, severely dependent on alcohol, with nowhere to go and a very bleak future ahead of me. But I was extremely lucky and I was given a life line and now I am beginning to build my life again. I support Centrepoint because it provides hope and a future to homeless young people, at a time when it feels like they have no future. I’m humbled to be able to give something back.”

Other celebrities sacrificing the warmth of their own homes for the night were Daniel Smith, the 26 year old business man who appeared on the TV Secret Millionaire programme and DJ Sonique who experienced homelessness in her teens before signing her first record deal and winning Best Female Solo Artist in 2001.

Seyi Obakin, Acting CEO of Centrepoint, who also braved the cold for (some of) the night said: “It is vital we continue to keep the harsh reality of homelessness at winter in the public’s mind. Centrepoint supports over 800 young people every day- nearly half of the young people we support have slept rough. This year – on the eve of our 40th anniversary celebration – we hope to raise funds which will make a real difference to vulnerable young people’s lives this Christmas.”

The Countdown to Christmas appeal must raise £266,437 to provide support and accommodation for the homeless young people in Centrepoint services this Christmas. Will you help?