Prioritising Homelessness Visibility: ClwydAlyn’s Big Sleepout is Back and You Can Sign Up Now to Take Part!

Staff from Denbighshire-based housing association, ClwydAlyn, are aiming to put homelessness in the spotlight once again, with their twelfth annual ‘Big Sleepout’, an event to raise essential funds for homelessness services.

On 3^rd October, staff from ClwydAlyn, along with several other local organisations, their families and friends, will take part in The Big Sleepout. Organised by Lynda Williams, supported living manager, the event aims to increase awareness of homelessness, and raise vital funds to boost provision of local support services.

This year’s event is taking place at Silver Birch Golf Club, Maes Yr Haf, Betws-yn-Rhos, Abergele and in addition, organisers are also inviting virtual participants from across the region to join in from wherever they are; their garden or living room floor.

“In 2023/2024 over 13,500 households in Wales were assessed as homeless, the highest number since Welsh legislation began. In the same time period almost 18,000 people were placed into temporary accommodation. These figures reflect a very real and urgent requirement for support within our communities.”

Cris McGuinness

Chair of the Board at ClwydAlyn

One of the primary drivers for homelessness is the lack of affordable homes; with the average rent for Wales being £752 per month. Across North Wales, individuals or families may become homeless for a mixture of reasons, which includes being evicted by their landlord, losing their job, mental or physical ill health, relationship issues or even disasters such as fire or flooding.

The Big Sleepout brings members of the local community together, to experience the harsh reality of homelessness.

“The aim is to shed light on the plight of the 13,000 homeless households across our country. This includes people sleeping rough, those in unsuitable or temporary accommodation, people who are squatting, or living with family or friends because they have no home of their own.
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure, warm home. By taking part in our Big Sleepout, whether that’s in person or virtually, you can show support, spark conversation and help to raise money for the front-line homeless services we provide.”

Lynda Williams

Supported Living Manager at ClwydAlyn

All funds raised will go directly to ClwydAlyn’s homelessness services, which provide dedicated teams to help and support people to move forward in their lives.

You can sign up to take part in the Big Sleepout, or request more information, by emailing: bigsleepout2025@clwydalyn.co.uk

Or, alternatively, donate straight to the charity via the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lynda-williams-5

ClwydAlyn staff member Matthew created a vlog on his experience of the Big Sleepout 2024

To find out more about ClwydAlyn’s support services, visit: Supported Living – Clwydalyn