My name is Jeremy and I am the founder and managing director of the Newcastle-based digital marketing agency Linguakey. But that's enough about me and my professional life. This is about the homeless people we encounter every day in the city of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

I've lived in Newcastle since the early 2000s. The city was very different back then. It had more of a "raw" feel than it does today. It felt cramped and chaotic with heavy traffic chugging its way around the city centre and there were far fewer pedestrianised streets save Northumberland street. 

Since then, I've witnessed Newcastle develop and expand, with Eldon Square expanding at least three times,  Central Station getting a much-needed facelift, and fashionable destinations appearing including The Stack, The Food Court, The Botanist, and Banyan. Don't get me wrong, there are days when the city still feels cramped and chaotic, but it has undoubtedly undergone phenomenal gentrification over the past twenty years. Many have benefitted, yet I still notice one group that has clearly suffered more than ever.

I remember seeing my first homeless person in Newcastle in 2003 in the previously underground Eldon Square bus concourse where I used to catch the bus daily to and from my dayjob. I also encountered homelessness and the issues the most vulnerable people in society face when I worked in retail.

Over the months and years what has struck me most is that, as the city's developed, I've witnessed the number of homeless people rapidly increase as well. Today, when I commute to work I see more homeless people on the streets than ever before. The pandemic has contributed to countless vulnerable people finding themselves on the streets as well. It's well past time to help the most vulnerable members of society who've suffered the most over the past two years but lack a common voice to share their stories.

On 24 March 2022, I'm braving the elements and spending the night in Newcastle city centre to raise awareness for homelessness. Please support me as I aim to raise £1,000 for the charity CEOSleepout. Your contribution helps the fantastic work CEOSleepout are doing to combat the challenges and situations so many vulnerable people are finding themselves in today.

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