Almost 100 workers from businesses in Glasgow slept out in single-figure temperatures to raise money for leading UK children’s charity, Action for Children.
Teams from companies large and small across the country, including NHS24, CBRE, Leidos and PWC, spent Friday night at Blythswood Square at the third Byte Night Scotland sleep-out.
The big-hearted volunteers joined over 1,100 others simultaneously sleeping out across 11 locations up and down the UK in campaign to raise £1million UK-wide in support of Action for Children youth homelessness services, including ‘Prep for Life Housing Service’ in Alexandria and ‘Canal Housing Service’ in East Dunbartonshire.
Research from Action for Children earlier this year revealed that that poverty and homelessness is the top issue that children in Scotland are concerned about. 52 per cent of children in Scotland said they are worried about people suffering because they don’t have enough money, including becoming homeless.
Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director for Scotland, said: “We want every child to have a safe and happy childhood, but sadly too many young people are falling into homelessness which leaves lasting scars on their mental health, education and relationships with friends and family.
“Our critical work with vulnerable young people and families helps prevent the tragedy of homelessness by tackling the issues that can lead to young people ending up without a roof over their heads. From individual support for teenagers to working with families facing difficulties, our frontline services can prevent problems from spiralling out of control.
“From individual support for teenagers to working with families who are facing difficulties, our frontline services can prevent problems from spiralling out of control and keep children and young people safe and cared for. Any young people worried about their family situation can come to us for help at actionforchildren.org.uk.”
Co-chair of the Scotland Byte Night board, Rhona Hutchon, Director at Harvey Nash, added: “I’d like to say a huge thank you and well done to every single sleeper who braved the elements to raise funds for vulnerable children. It was a big challenge, but in the morning, everyone went home to their warm beds – and there are too many young people in Scotland who are living without this choice.
“No child or young person should have to face the trauma of homelessness - they shouldn’t be sofa surfing, they shouldn’t be in B&Bs, and they certainly shouldn’t be on the streets. This is a critical issue in Scotland, as it is across the UK, and Byte Night is a chance to support some of the young people in our society who need it most.
“One night really can make a lifetime’s difference and funds raised will help us support children and young people to have a safe and happy childhood.”
To find out more about Byte Night, visit bytenight.org.uk or contact the Byte Night team on bytenight@actionforchildren.org.uk
