Despite the initial rain during the evening of 8th March, this year’s Big Bath Sleep-Out saw over 300 people taking part, making it the charity’s most participated Sleep-Out to date.

The event, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year, welcomed families, friends, colleagues and community groups to Alice Park and saw them ditching their beds for one night to help raise much-needed funds and awareness for Julian House and its increasing number of homelessness projects. Equipped with just sleeping bags, cardboard and plastic sheeting, over 300 people braved the mud and cold to help those forced to do it every night.

Organiser, Cathy Adcock, said: “We are so pleased that so many people were willing to forego their normal creature comforts and warm homes for the night. Obviously, sleeping out for one night doesn’t come close to the realities of homelessness. It does, however, give people the chance to empathise with those who are forced to sleep rough every night, and those that took part certainly did just that.

“It was very heart-warming to see so many children who had encouraged their families to take part with them! Primary school children from WASPS, St Nicholas, Saltford Primary, Midsomer Norton Primary, Paulton Infants and Junior School, Bathwick St Mary, Castle Primary, Winsley Primary, Hayesfield Girls and St Saviour’s took part alongside older children and students from Kingswood School, Norton Hill, John Bentley School, Twerton’s Youth Group and Bath Spa University.

“We also had some great groups from local businesses including colleagues from Stone King, Nationwide Bath, Metro Bank, Actual Experience and Pure Planet to name a few. So far, the online donations are running at £30,000 which is outstanding – and there will be more donations coming throughout March. It would be fantastic if the event could raise over £50,000 for the charity’s tenth event.

“Thank you to everyone who took part and raised sponsorship and to everyone who made it happen. The team at Alice Park Café continued their support of the event by serving hot drinks and snacks and then serving very welcomed bacon rolls for the participants in the early hours of the morning. Special thanks also go to all the volunteers who helped on the night as well as Bath Boules Charitable Trust, Mines Leisure and Kennet Sign and Display.”

At its foundation, over thity years ago, Julian House was set up to offer direct support to some of the most marginalised people in society – the homeless. Julian House now operates over forty projects across the South West which not only address the symptoms of homelessness, but also tackle the underlying complex causes. These include the emergency hostel in Manvers Street; supported housing for men and women with specific needs including mental health issues and men, women and children who are escaping domestic violence.

You can support Julian House and the Big Bath Sleep-Out by texting: ‘BBSO00 £5’ to 70070, or to find out more about Julian House and the work it does, visit: www.julianhouse.org.uk