Several of our colleagues and friends of the Group, ditched their beds and spent a night under the stars to raise funds for South Ribble based charity Key Unlocking Futures and shine a spotlight on homelessness. 

Key Unlocking Futures is the Group's charitable partner and supports almost 3,000 people each year across Lancashire who are facing homelessness, escaping domestic abuse or need support to get back on their feet. 

20 people took part in the sponsored sleep out, sleeping outside with no tents, just sleeping bags and roll mats to keep warm on the 3G pitch at Lancashire Football Association in Leyland.                           

Key’s Business Development Manager and event organiser Jayne Allison said: “We are delighted that colleagues and friends of the charity have once again come out to support this event and give up their bed for the night. I believe it’s a challenge everyone should sign up to at least once in their lives’’.

“Sleeping out for one night does not come close to the realities of homelessness, but it does give people the chance to support hose who are forced to sleep rough, as well as shine a spotlight on homelessness.

“So far, we have raised around £5,000, with more to come in. Thank you to everyone who sponsored the event, those who took part and our partners Progress Housing Group who have match funded some of the money raised. Thank you also to the outgoing Mayor of Preston, Councillor Neil Darby for coming down to speak to us all and officially launch the event."

Our Group Chief Executive of Progress Housing Group took part in the sleep out and said: “I was so pleased to be able to take part in the Key Sleep Out to raise money and awareness of homelessness in our society.

“I strongly believe everyone has the right to a safe place to live and yet many people are still without safe and secure accommodation.

“We can all help bring an end to homelessness by supporting charities such as Key and raising our concerns with our MP to campaign for more social housing.

I felt privileged to be involved in the sleep out, it was a clear reminder of how much we take for granted and how easily we can be in vulnerable situations.”

18 year old Carrie who also took part in the sleep out said afterwards, “Just thinking of a young person like myself living in those conditions daily is heart-breaking. The main thing I have taken away from this experience is gratitude. I am so grateful to be able to go home to heating, a roof over my head and a bed which everyone deserves no matter what their circumstance.”

Bell Group, Vincent’s Solicitors, Berry’s, Superior Catering and Lancashire Football Association supported the event. 

Key Unlocking Futures is based in Leyland, Lancashire and has been a lifeline for people for almost 30 years, helping those in crisis to get back on their feet.  

Key Unlocking Futures joined Progress Housing Group in 2014, and together they provide homeless accommodation and support services, women's refuges for women and children fleeing domestic abuse and community centres providing a community cafe and shop.

 

To hear more about the sleep out and  the work of Key Unlocking Futures you can listen to recordings of Jayne Allison speaking to Nishma Hindocha at 3.10pm on Friday 12 May and then at 7.10am on Saturday 13 May to Shigufta Khan, on BBC Radio Lancashire.

There is still time to donate to the Sponsored Sleep Out and Key Unlocking Futures should you wish to at https://www.kindlink.com/fundraising/key-unlocking-futures/keysbigsponsoredsleepout

 Key All

Group photo of ever who took part in the sleep out, with the Mayor of Preston, Councillor Neil Darby.

Key SLT

Colleagues and friends of Progress Housing Group

Key 4

Colleagues from Key Unlocking Futures 

Untitled Design (15)

Colleagues from Bell Group