Have you ever experienced homelessness?

I too am fortunate not to have had that misfortune. 

But let's take a minute to imagine its you or a family member in the cold, feel the rain pounding on your sleeping bag with no place to shelter, not sleeping due to the fear of the violence around you, and I implur you not to carry on scrolling, but take a minute to look at the sobering facts of homelessness in towns I hold dear to my heart, Middlesbrough and Liverpool.

1. Middlesbrough has one of the highest rates of homelessness in the UK, with an estimated 86 people sleeping rough on any given night.
2. In 2019, the number of rough sleepers in Middlesbrough increased by 40%, despite efforts by local authorities to tackle the issue.
3. Many homeless people in Middlesbrough are young, with a significant proportion being under the age of 25.
4. The main causes of homelessness in Middlesbrough include poverty, unemployment, mental health issues, addiction, and relationship breakdowns.
5. There is a severe shortage of affordable housing in Middlesbrough, which makes it difficult for people to find a place to live.
6. Homelessness is not limited to rough sleepers in Middlesbrough, as many people are also forced to live in temporary accommodation or couch-surf with friends and family.
7. Over 100, 000 children in the UK are currently homeless or living in temporary accomodation.
8. The number of people sleeping rough in Liverpool has increased by 200% over the last five years.
9. In 2018, a total of 726 people were found to be homeless in Liverpool, an increase of 63% from 2016.
10. The average life expectancy of a homeless person in Liverpool is just 47 years.
11. Liverpool has the second-highest number of rough sleepers in England, after London.

By experiencing what it's like to be homeless, even for just one night, I hope I can raise greater awareness and help others understand the challenges that homeless people face on a daily basis. I hope this can help to raise awareness about the issue and inspire others to take action to help those in need.

By helping me raise funds through this experience, you can help support CEO Sleepout to provide essential services and resources to those experiencing homelessness. This can include shelter, food, medical care, and mental health support. Every pound you raise can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

Please help me help those who need it most! And please dig deep!