Charity organizes sleep-out to highlight homelessness

An organization conducted a Big Sleep Out event aimed at increasing public understanding of individuals experiencing homelessness in East Sussex. The Clock Tower Sanctuary, headquartered in Brighton, saw approximately 60 participants spend the night on the i360’s deck within the city centre. This overnight event occurred from December 9-10, concluding at 06:00 GMT on Tuesday. Suzi Ruffell, a comedian from Brighton, participated and shared with BBC Radio Sussex: “It was very rainy and wet overnight but the whole time I was thinking about the people who don’t have the luxuries we have.” The organization reported that approximately 17% of its service users are currently sleeping rough. Ms Ruffell further stated: “It wasn’t great when my socks and feet were wet and that made my sleeping bag wet.” She also commented: “But we have raised an awful lot of money for people that need it.” Fabia Bates, CEO of the Clock Tower Sanctuary, described the night as “amazing”. “We had a record turnout for this sleep out, which is excellent,” she remarked. She continued: “It was raining on and off throughout the night. But, we didn’t have to do it during Storm Darragh – some people had no choice.” “That brings it home a little bit,” Bates added. The charitable organization reported that the sleep out has, to date, generated just under £40,000.