Key Unlocking Futures
Key Unlocking Futures

Key's Big Sponsored Sleep Out Success

Key's Big Sponsored Sleep Out Success

Key's first sleep out success

Lancashire-based charity Key Unlocking Futures who supports people going through tough times recently held their first Big Sponsored Sleep Out and called upon the local community to help them make it a success.

 

The sleep out took place on the 3G football pitch at Lancashire Football Association in Leyland, where 30 people volunteered to give up their beds for the night and sleep under the stars to help shine a spotlight on homelessness.

 

The former Mayor of South Ribble, Councillor Jane Bell, kindly came and launched the event and shared her experiences of working with local charities and supporting young people who were experiencing homelessness. It was a stark reminder that becoming homeless can happen to anyone.

 

So far, a fantastic £6,000 has been raised, and more money is still coming in. The funds will make a huge difference to the lives of people going through difficult times and ensure that Key Unlocking Futures can continue to provide support services to those who need it. If you would like to donate to a local charity which supports people across Lancashire to take back control and build brighter futures, please go to Key's fundraising page Key Unlocking Futures fundraising & online donations | KindLink (https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/key-unlocking-futures/bigsleepout)

 

Karen Gahagan, who took part in the sleep out, raised an amazing £660. Karen, who works for Progress Housing Group in Leyland, a partner organisation of Key Unlocking Future, said, "I have known about Key Unlocking Futures for a long time. They have helped people close to me, and I've also heard about their amazing work through colleagues at work. They do so much, from supporting people who are homeless or facing homelessness to working with families who need support or counselling to providing a community shop and café offering food and essential supplies to the community at a reduced cost. As soon as I heard about the sleep out, I knew I had to take part and help raise as much awareness and donations as I could for this wonderful charity."

 

Leyland resident Lynn is 67 and also took part in the sleep out. Lynn said, "I have often seen homeless people on the streets and wanted to help them, and so when I heard about Key's Big Sleep Out, I signed up. I know people thought I was mad for wanting to sleep outside at my age, but I wanted to help in any way I could. It was certainly an experience I will never forget, and I'm pleased I took part in. I hope the sleep-out raises more awareness of the great work Key Unlocking Futures do."  

 

Companies Bell Group and NEO Property Services also had employees take part in the sleep out and raised an amazing amount in sponsorships.

 

Ursula Patten, Key's Operations Director, said, "We would like to thank everyone who got involved with the sleep out. Unless you have been in the situation yourself, it isn't possible for us to truly understand what it is like to experience homelessness, but the event has raised awareness, and many that took part have told us the experience has helped them appreciate their own lives even more."

 

One participant said, "The sleep out has had a big impact on me for which I am, and always will be grateful for, as I never want to forget the feelings I experienced that night, and I will forever be very mindful of anybody in that situation."