On Friday 4th October 2024, in just under 2 months’ time, over 200 people are expected to join Glass Door Homeless Charity’s 12th annual Sleep Out. Glass Door is hoping to raise £120,000 from the Sleep Out, which will help fund the charity’s services that help people to build a route out of homelessness. Participants can take part in-person at the Duke of York Square in Chelsea, or remotely from anywhere in the world.

Homelessness of all kinds is on the rise, and record numbers of people in London have been left with nowhere to sleep but on the streets. The latest annual data from the Combined Homelessness And Information Network (CHAIN) showed that rough sleeping in London is at the highest levels since records began, having risen by 19% compared to the year before.

Over the last year, the need for Glass Door’s services has increased massively, with a 30% increase in the number of people accessing its caseworkers for support and an 80% increase in demand for a space at its emergency winter shelters.

Colin Firth has narrated an animated film for Glass Door which shows that “Homelessness can happen to any of us”. A lack of affordable housing leads to homelessness for many, exacerbated by other issues including domestic violence, poor health and bereavement.

WATCH THE FILM HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpiEe1AoRpE

Jo Carter, Glass Door’s CEO, said: “Glass Door’s annual Sleep Out event is definitely one not to be missed. Through this event we raise vital funds for our work as well as increasing awareness of the growing number of people in London who are homeless. With rents continually rising and more and more people being pushed onto the street, our services are needed more than ever. I cannot thank everyone who will take part in Sleep Out enough. Because of their support we can continue to provide a lifeline to vulnerable Londoners, supporting them on their journey out of homelessness.”