Wakefield Trinity sleep out raises thousands for homelessness charity

Seventeen staff members from estate agents Linley & Simpson spent the night in the concourse of the DIY Kitchens Stadium.

The event is part of charity Centrepoint’s Host Your Own Sleep Out, which invites participants to give up their beds for one night and sleep out in solidarity with thousands of young people who face homelessness across the country.

David Mear, managing director of Linley & Simpson, said: “As an estate agent, I spend my life helping people find homes.

“It can be such a joyous and happy time when someone finds their dream home but it’s important to remember that not everyone has that privilege.

“Every day, young people are forced into homelessness due to circumstances beyond their control.

"This Sleep Out presented an opportunity to stand in solidarity and raise vital funds to help change lives and it wouldn’t have been possible without Wakefield Trinity, who kindly let us use their wonderful stadium.”

Centrepoint estimates that more than 118,000 young people across the UK faced homelessness or were at risk last year.

Across Yorkshire and the Humber, the charity said 7,751 young people approached their councils for help because they were homeless or at risk of homelessness between 2023 and 2024, which it said was a 3 per cent increase on the previous year.

Miranda Harman, head of mass participation and events at centrepoint, said: “Every Sleep Out event held makes a huge difference and we’re so thankful to those who took part in the Linley & Simpson Sleep Out.

“Since the very beginning, their determination to raise as much awareness and money as possible has been incredible and means we can continue to provide life-changing support to young people who are impacted by homelessness.”

So far, the Sleep Out has raised over £2,000, with funds going directly towards providing safe housing and support services for young people.

Linley & Simpson are also part of Lomond, a corporate partner of Centrepoint’s, who have hosted a range of initiatives throughout the year for the charity.