Wales’ leading homelessness charity, Llamau, have announced the exciting news that Welsh radio and television presenter Jason Mohammad will be hosting the charity’s annual fundraising event, Sleep Out, on Friday 15^th October 2021.

Sleep Out is a challenge event where participants are encouraged to sleep outdoors for the night and has been organised by Llamau for more than a decade. It continues to be one of the charity’s leading fundraising events, bringing in life changing funds to support young people and women experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Wales.

The Covid-19 pandemic put a stop to all mass participation events in 2020, and although restrictions are now much lighter across Wales, Llamau have decided to err on the side of caution and host another virtual Sleep Out this year.

Fundraising Manager for Llamau, Louise David, says that people can make a huge difference to the lives of people who are homeless in Wales, whilst enjoying a night of entertainment and powerful stories,

“We’ve gone all out this year to make sure everyone who signs up for the event has a fun time, especially as it has been such a difficult time for everyone as we recover from the pandemic.

“Jason Mohammad is a brilliant addition to the night’s line-up, which also includes some incredible music acts, cookery and cocktail and mocktail making and some spooky ghost stories. All can be enjoyed whilst knowing the funds raised will be supporting young people, women and children to leave homelessness behind them and move on to live independent and safe lives.”

A little different this year…

There is a key change to this year’s event, which may make getting involved a lot easier. Participants usually turn up to the venue of Sleep Out and sleep outdoors, amongst the elements, but this year Llamau are encouraging people to sleep anywhere that is not their bed.

Llamau’s Chief Executive, Frances Beecher explains why sleeping outside is not the only option this year,

“This year, we’re using Sleep Out to raise awareness of the serious issue of hidden homelessness as well as street homelessness. Hidden homelessness happens all too often and can be the start of a person’s journey into homelessness. It’s not uncommon for people to not even realise they are homeless because they are not sleeping rough.

“This form of homelessness is still harmful and can be the start of the downward spiral. It affects people’s well-being and poses many risks to a person’s health and safety, but, because it’s hidden, it’s unrecognised. If you don’t know where you will be staying, if you are thrown out, then you are homeless and everyone needs to be aware of this. That’s why we wanted to give people the option this year of trying to sleep on their sofa or floor instead of outdoors.

“We are grateful to have Jason on board to host this evening and highlight how important it is that we work together to end all forms of homelessness in Wales.”

Looking ahead to the event, Jason Mohammad said,

“I’m very excited to be hosting Llamau’s Sleep Out event this October. I’ve wanted to get involved with Llamau for some time – so this is the perfect opportunity to show my support, raise lots of money for charity and learn more about how homelessness impacts young people and women in Wales.

“The line-up for the night looks brilliant, so I’m really looking forward to taking to the stage and bringing all that live entertainment to viewers wherever they may be sleeping on the night.

“I’d love to encourage as many people as possible to sign up and show their support. We are going to have so much wonderful entertainment on the night and Sleep Out is a challenging but enjoyable way of raising vital funds.”

Llamau are encouraging individuals, friendship groups, family members and work colleagues to sign up to Sleep Out 2021, and take the opportunity to play their part in creating a community that shows it cares for people, not just says it!

Llamau believes that homelessness is a major failing of our society, and highlights just how inadequate the systems and structures are that push people into homelessness every day. Llamau are daring to imagine a world without homelessness and invite you to be part of creating that world.

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