Your chance to to help the homeless in our Diocese.

In 2019 we hosted this event at Walsingham House at Abbotswick, having 200 young people, leaders and catechists sleeping out in the garden to better understand how it feels for those sleeping rough throughout the Diocese, as well as raising thousands of pounds to help local homeless charities.

 

This year Caritas Diocese of Brentwood are hosting the event and encouraging people from all over our Diocese to take part in their own gardens, schools and parishes!

You can take part on your own or as part of a group and are encouraged to find a local charity supporting the homeless or less fortunate to raise your funds for. 

                                                                                                                                                            

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Please join Caritas Diocese of Brentoowd in whatever way is possible on Friday 8th April 2022 with just a sleeping bag and mat or cardboard boxes to sleep on or under.

No tents allowed, whatever the weather!

 

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Get together in your gardens, on a school field, Parish car park – wherever you can! 

 

While we are taking part all over the Diocese, you can still feel connected to others whilst taking part;

 

  • Get your friends, family, school, confirmation or youth groups to take part together!
  • See if your neighbours would like to join in from their own gardens!
  • Organise a group to take part and keep in touch with a group chat or video call throughout the evening to support each other!
  • Have a time for group prayer or reflection together virtually.
  • Arrange to watch the same film – “A Streetcat named Bob” tells the true story of James Bowen, a musician living homeless in London.
  • Follow @caritasdob and @brentwoodcys on social media for live updates from other groups and individuals taking part. 

 

Please be sure that however you are planning to participate you are following current government guidelines at all times.

 

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Whether you are a catechist, chaplain, Parish Priest, individual or family, please do let us know if and how you are taking part by emailing [email protected] so we can help support you!

 

 

DOES IT COST TO JOIN IN?

This event is free to participate but please try to raise some sponsorship – anything from £10 to £1000!

Why not set yourself a target of £100?

 

 

HOW DOES THE SPONSORSHIP WORK?

You can ask Sian to send you a sponsorship form by emailing [email protected]

 

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If you wish, you can also donate to the Brentwood Catholic Youth Service online here 

 

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You could ask people to sponsor you one whole amount or per hour you sleep outside.

If you are participating with a school, parish or friendship group, you could raise sponsorship together or you might prefer to do this individually (maybe see who can raise the most!)

The beneficiaries are registered charities so you may find companies willing to match fund sponsorship – please ask them.

 

 

WHERE WILL THE MONEY BE SPENT?

If you would like to take part, please think about supporting a charity local to you – if you’re not sure of any, you can use the search function on the Caritas website www.caritasbrentwood.org 

 

 

 

CAN I FIND OUT MORE?

If you have any questions about this event you are always welcome to email [email protected]

There are also photos and videos saved under the “Sleepout” highlight on our instagram page – @brentwoodcys

 

 

Start thinking about how you can get involved and at any time during the year, 

if you would like to donate, please click here.