Walking With The Wounded (WWTW) has renewed its partnership with CEO Sleepout.
To date, CEO Sleepout has raised over £160k for WWTW through events in Manchester, London, Sunderland and Alnwick. That sum is now set to grow though, after CEO Sleepout announced three further events in Middlesbrough, Bradford and Darlington.
Tommy Watson, WWTW Director for Veterans’ Affairs, said:
“We are thrilled to continue our long-standing partnership with CEO Sleepout and to support the powerful work they deliver across the country.
“Through our partnership, we have helped to bring together compassionate and committed business leaders in support of veterans who are experiencing homelessness and ensuring they receive the help they urgently need.”
And the strengthened partnership comes at a time when homeless rates – including among those who served in the armed forces – is soaring.
Latest figures show 2,270 veteran households in the UK are facing homelessness – up 14 per cent – while the UK now has more people classed as homeless than at any other time in history.
Among those who have ended up without a roof over their heads is former Royal Marine, Ian.
Having served with distinction in Kosovo and Afghanistan, he left the forces to marry his childhood sweetheart.
However, his transition to civilian life was difficult. Mental health struggles led him to alcohol dependency, and he lost both his job and his wife.
“For two decades, I struggled and six years ago, I attempted suicide,” he admits.
“But Walking With The Wounded was my lifeline; I got accommodation and was referred to recovery services – within days I of completing my treatment, I had a meaningful job.”
Now remarried and rebuilding family relationships, Ian credits the charity with saving his life.
“Without Walking With The Wounded, I wouldn’t be here today,” he added.
Launched in 2013, CEO Sleepout brings business leaders together to sleep outdoors for one night to raise funds for causes helping those experiencing either poverty or homelessness.
This year, the charity’s goal is to raise £1m for the first time ever
“CEO Sleepout’s goal is to make a tangible difference to the lives of some of the most vulnerable people, and this partnership with Walking With The Wounded is exactly what our charity is about,” said Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleepout.
“Our armed forces risk everything for our safety, yet far too often, we don’t repay them when their service ends.
“CEO Sleepout’s goal is to raise even more money for Walking With The Wounded – one of over 200 causes our sleepouts have supported – and to keep directly improving lives.”
