Staff at a north-east Wales housing association will shine a spotlight on homelessness this autumn, as part of the organisation’s twelfth annual Big Sleepout.
ClwydAlyn, based in St Asaph, will join other organisations, along with their family and friends, for the event on Friday, 3 October.
Organised by Lynda Williams, supported living manager at ClwydAlyn, the event aims to raise awareness of homelessness and generate vital funds to support local frontline services.
This year’s event will take place at Silver Birch Golf Club, Maes Yr Haf, Betws-yn-Rhos, Abergele.
Organisers are also inviting people across the region to take part virtually — whether from their garden or even their living room floor.
Cris McGuinness, Chair of the Board at ClwydAlyn, said: “In 2023/2024 over 13,500 households in Wales were assessed as homeless, the highest number since Welsh legislation began.
“In the same time period almost 18,000 people were placed into temporary accommodation.
“These figures reflect a very real and urgent requirement for support within our communities.”
One of the primary drivers of homelessness is the lack of affordable housing, with the average monthly rent in Wales now at £752.
Across North Wales, people can become homeless for a range of reasons – from eviction or job loss, to physical or mental ill health, relationship breakdowns, or even disasters such as fire or flooding.
The Big Sleepout brings members of the local community together, to experience the harsh reality of homelessness.
Organiser Lynda said: “The aim is to shed light on the plight of the 13,000 homeless households across our country.
“This includes people sleeping rough, those in unsuitable or temporary accommodation, people who are squatting, or living with family or friends because they have no home of their own.
“Everyone deserves a safe, secure, warm home. By taking part in our Big Sleepout, whether that’s in person or virtually, you can show support, spark conversation and help to raise money for the front-line homeless services we provide.”
All funds raised will go directly to ClwydAlyn’s homelessness services, which provide dedicated teams to help and support people to move forward in their lives.
You can sign up to take part in the Big Sleepout, or request more information, by emailing: bigsleepout2025@clwydalyn.co.uk
Or, alternatively, donate straight to the charity via the JustGiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lynda-williams-5
To find out more about ClwydAlyn’s support services, visit: Supported Living – Clwydalyn
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