Sleeping out to help out: Boycott your Bed 2024
On 4 October, Action for Children supporters from across the UK gave up their bed for one night to help children in need.
The sleep out was a part of our annual event, Boycott your Bed, where teams of corporate supporters give up their beds for one night to raise money for vulnerable children and young people. The event is a reminder and way to help the children who face every night without a safe place to sleep.
This year saw the event in its 27th year, with sleep outs happening across the UK in London, Leeds, Belfast, Cardiff, and more. Amidst the hundreds of people sleeping out for Action for Children were first timers and old timers together. And as they wrapped up for the night, they battled the elements with just a sleeping bag and mat to stave off the cold.
Challenge yourself this year while raising vital funds for children.
Before setting up outside, teams enjoyed various fundraising activities at the indoor reception. In London, they were joined by television and radio presenter Olivia Cox, whilst the Belfast event saw their fundraising activities hosted by local TV, radio presenter and singer/songwriter, Ryan Hand. Guest speakers from Action for Children were also in attendance to share their stories to show how funds raised will be used to directly help children and families.
One of last year’s sleepers, Kate Mclean – a communications intern at Scottish Friendly Ltd – attended the Glasgow event for a second time this year. When we spoke to her ahead of the event, she said:
“While it was tough last year due to the weather, what I took from the event was Action for Children’s supporters pulling together to raise vital funds for families who can’t access the essentials to stay safe and warm during winter months.”
I’m extremely proud to be taking part again this year and will be rallying my colleagues to gather participants, donations, and raise awareness. If by giving up my bed for one night I can help a family even in a small way, it will have been worth it
Right now, 4.3 million children live in poverty in the UK. That’s 30% of all children. Many will go to bed hungry or struggle to sleep in a cold, damp house. Across the UK, there were over 500 people sleeping out to help vulnerable children and young people. London’s event alone saw nearly 200 people joining the sleep out in Paternoster Square by St Pauls. Among them were teams from Lenovo - who sponsored the event for the second year, Microsoft, Dell, Accenture, Harvey Nash and more.
In its 27th year, Boycott your Bed has raised an incredible £14 million to help make sure children have the essentials they need for a safe and happy childhood. Warm clothes, hot meals, a proper bed to sleep in, mental health support, and protection from neglect and abuse.
Thank you to our supporters: the 2024 event
Challenge yourself this year while raising vital funds for children.
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