Northern Ireland

Businesses and community groups among those swapping bed for sleeping bags to help homelessness

Philip Kee fundraising officer with Depaul and his son Alex support the first Depaul sleep out .Picture by Hugh Russell.
Philip Kee fundraising officer with Depaul and his son Alex support the first Depaul sleep out .Picture by Hugh Russell. Philip Kee fundraising officer with Depaul and his son Alex support the first Depaul sleep out .Picture by Hugh Russell.

BUSINESSES and community groups were among those across Northern Ireland swapping their beds for sleeping bags last night to raise money for the homeless.

Depaul's 2021 Sleep Out took place in people's gardens and workplaces this year and all the money raised will go towards supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness and raising awareness of their plight.

The charity's director of fundraising and communications Mairéad McGinn said its Sleep Out will make a real difference to those most vulnerable.

"The funds raised through Depaul's Sleep Out this year will help us support people currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of it," she said.

"Each year, Depaul supports thousands of people experiencing homelessness and we help hundreds to move into their own home changing their lives forever.

"Thank you everyone taking part this year as your support will help us to make a real difference to the lives of many more men, women and children."

The cross-border charity, which operates more than 30 services across Ireland, supported more than 4,500 people in 2019.

It provides support under five main pillars: high support accommodation, families and young people, health and rehabilitation, prevention and housing.