Select a region
A mass overnight sleep out is being organised to raise awareness of homelessness in the island, while also raising money to help a charity start work on a modular housing project to help those people directly affected by the issue.
Organised by Skipton International in partnership with Caritas, the event is taking place in January.
Billed as ‘The Big Skipton Sleep Out’ it will take place at the King George V (KGV) on Friday 24 January from 19:00 until 06:30 the following day.
At that time of year, the temperature can be as low as 5c during the day and colder overnight, while the lowest ever recorded temperature for January was in 1963 when -7.8c was recorded.
Guernsey records on average 90mm of rain during the month.
Participants will be expected to sleep outside for the event.
Pictured: It was recently suspected that someone was living in this tent at Cambridge Park as they had no where else to go. They vacated the tent after a few days.
A 2023 States of Guernsey Indicators of Poverty report found that more than 1,000 people are currently without secure housing, though the lack of clear definition for the term ‘homeless’ means this number could be much higher.
This means that around 1 in 64 residents are homeless or facing the risk of homelessness.
In comparison, the English figure is 1 in 182 residents are homeless.
To combat the local problem, Caritas recently announced plans to build a modular housing community.
The charity has appealed for land and financial support to create the site, in a project that would take place over two phases, initially offering 12 units and then doubling that to 24.
Graham Merfield, Chairman at Caritas, thanked Skipton for stepping forward to offer its support.
Pictured: An idea of what new 'modular housing' could look like in Guernsey, currently used by Emmaus in the UK.
“We are indebted to Skipton for partnering with us in support of developing our modular housing community," he said.
"I encourage as many islanders as possible to show solidarity with those experiencing homelessness by experiencing a night under the stars to raise funds for our vital cause.”
Anyone is welcome to take part in the event and all are encouraged to get their friends and family to sponsor them.
They will be joining staff from Skipton International who have already agreed to take part.
“The Skipton Big Sleep Out is the latest example in a long line of successful community focused events that we have supported in Guernsey, including Purple Monday, where we accompanied the Meals on Wheels service delivering gift bags to elderly residents, and various talks and careers events designed to inspire students to achieve their goals," said Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Commercial Officer at Skipton International.
"Skipton International has a proud record of giving first time buyers in Guernsey the opportunity to take their first step on the housing ladder. But sadly, some of the most vulnerable in our society are currently without a roof over their head. Our company values and ethos mean that we cannot turn a blind eye to islanders experiencing homelessness, and we are committed to doing what we can to help through supporting the valuable work of Caritas to provide a tangible solution to the homelessness crisis in Guernsey.
"Several Skipton colleagues - myself included - will be taking part, and if you are able to participate, I encourage you to get involved and support Caritas in their vital work to help those in our society who find themselves without a roof of their own.”
To find out the details and download the sponsorship form and information booklet, visit: caritas.org.gg/the-big-skipton-sleep-out-2025/
Register today by emailing your name and age (for yourself and for anyone else coming with you) to: sleepout@caritas.org.gg
Homelessness highlighted again as local charity seeks support
LISTEN: How a Guernsey charity aims to quickly provide homes for those most in need
Comments
Comments on this story express the views of the commentator only, not Bailiwick Publishing. We are unable to guarantee the accuracy of any of those comments.