Guernsey Community to Sleep Outdoors in Support of Homeless Islanders

Skipton International has joined forces with Caritas, a local charity, to host 'The Big Skipton Sleep Out.'

This unique event, scheduled for 24th January 2025 at the King George V (KGV) playing fields, aims to bring the Guernsey community together in a show of solidarity with the island's homeless.

Participants are invited to forsake the comfort of their beds from 7pm to 6.30am, to understand the challenges faced by homeless individuals while raising essential funds for Caritas's modular housing project.

The modular housing initiative by Caritas seeks to address the critical issue of homelessness in Guernsey, highlighted by a distressing statistic from the 2023 States of Guernsey Indicators of Poverty report.

It revealed that over 1,000 islanders live without secure housing, a figure representing approximately 1 in 64 residents, notably higher than England's 1 in 182 ratio. Caritas's project proposes an innovative solution by creating a modular housing community to not just offer accommodation but also to instil a sense of belonging and restore dignity to those affected.

Event participation is open to everyone, with organisers urging participants to gain sponsorship from friends and family to maximise the fundraiser's impact.

Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Commercial Officer at Skipton International, emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating, "Our company values and ethos mean that we cannot turn a blind eye to islanders experiencing homelessness."

She praised the event as a means for the community to contribute meaningfully to addressing the island's homelessness crisis. Dunsterville, among other Skipton colleagues, plans to join the sleep-out, showcasing the company's commitment to social causes beyond its business scope.

Graham Merfield, Chairman at Caritas, expressed gratitude towards Skipton for their support, stating, "We are indebted to Skipton for partnering with us in support of developing our modular housing community." He highlighted the importance of community solidarity and its impact on those living without homes. For those interested in participating or supporting the cause, further details and sponsorship forms are available on the Caritas website.