Sleeping Out in 2018 to end the cycle

For the second year running, Centrepoint's Sleep Out Manchester will be supported by The Co-operative Bank.

For one night only, fundraisers are invited to spend the night sleeping in Manchester's iconic Victoria Baths on Thursday 29^th November 2018 to raise money in support of Centrepoint's aim to end youth homelessness.

While the Sleep Out event doesn't try to replicate homelessness, it will give participants an insight into the challenges faced by people who are forced to sleep rough night after night; the biting cold, uncomfortable surroundings, and the difficulty of carrying on the next day after very little sleep.

Other local businesses and members of the public will join Co-operative Bank colleagues in sleeping out at the event, which will be hosted by former cast member of The Bill and Hollyoaks, and long-standing Centrepoint ambassador, Lisa Maxwell.

Lisa said: "Homelessness in Manchester is such a pressing concern for us all and it is especially worrying when you hear, and see, the scale of the issue in the city."

"It's brilliant that we have an event like Sleep Out, to not only highlight the issue, but to also raise money to help prevent youth homelessness and to continue supporting those who unfortunately face it."

"So I'm delighted to be supporting the Manchester Sleep Out for a second year and I'm looking forward to seeing the amazing venue and all the brilliant people taking part in this year's event."

The Co-operative Bank launched its partnership with Centrepoint in 2017 and has raised over £775,000* for the charity so far. We're looking forward to helping Centrepoint achieve their fundraising target of £60,000 for Sleep Out Manchester 2018 and getting involved in a great night of fundraising.

Andrew Bester, CEO of The Co-operative Bank said: "We're proud to sponsor a second Sleep Out Manchester event in support of our charity partner Centrepoint. Last year's event was a great success and we're hoping to build on that and raise even more money to aid Centrepoint's work with homeless young people in Manchester who so urgently need help and support to get out of crisis."

If you'd like to take on the challenge and join the Centrepoint Sleep Out in Manchester or at another location you'll find all the information you need on Centrepoint's Sleep Out page.

You can find out more about Centrepoint's work with vulnerable young people and make a donation to support their work on Centrepoint's website.

* Total as at July 2018