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The Boss, Billy and Bruno join the Big Sleep Out

Trio of Albion first team staff raise awareness of homelessness.

By Paul Camillin • 14 November 2021

By Bennett Dean
Graham Potter said, "We had an easy version of sleeping rough, but it still gave us an insight into the challenges the homeless community face on a daily and nightly basis."

Graham Potter, his assistant Billy Reid and first-team coach Bruno joined The Big Sleep Out on Friday night in the centre of the city to raise awareness and raise vital funds for the homeless in Brighton & Hove.

The boss, Billy and Bruno joined others at St Peter's Church, as part of the event organised by local charity Off the Fence, who run Project Anti-Freeze each winter, to support the homeless community.

Graham said, "We had an easy version of sleeping rough, but it still gave us an insight into the challenges the homeless community face on a daily and nightly basis. 

"Having experienced just one night out on the street, I cannot imagine what it would be like suffering in this way with no idea of what the future holds or where the next meal might be coming from.

"There is a ridiculous stigma attached. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and they need our help and support. Many are suffering from illness, poor health and it is heart breaking in 2021 that we still see people living on our streets.

"There are some amazing charities across the UK, and here in Brighton & Hove, who do some amazing work. It's getting tougher for those organisations, and as we move into the depths of winter when the nights will get colder, with temperatures going sub-zero, I would urge those of you who can, to give them your support this winter." 

By Bennett Dean
The Big Sleep Out is an annual fundraising challenge organised by Off The Fence for you to experience what life is like for the rough sleepers of Brighton & Hove - and raise money to help us help them.

Bruno said, "It is so important to raise that awareness; a lot of people are still struggling since the pandemic. It has been a hard two years for everyone but there are a lot of people still struggling. The consequences of that are massive."

Billy added, "The city is bracing itself for a sharp increase in rough sleepers. People sleeping rough die younger, are more likely to get ill, and are more vulnerable to violence than those in the wider population. They need your help."

The Big Sleep Out is an annual fundraising challenge organised by Off The Fence for you to experience what life is like for the rough sleepers of Brighton & Hove - and raise money to help us help them.

Money raised from the event will go towards some of the charity’s work such as its Anti-Freeze Project, which offers a range of care including food, sleeping bags, clothes, showers and laundry services at its day centre and emotional support for the homeless.

For more information visit www.offthefence.org.uk/thebigsleepout, use the hashtag #OTFsleepout2021, or visit their supporters’ JustGiving page here.