Sunderland CEO Sleepout: Charity returns to Stadium of Light as council asked for help ‘every 12 hours’

Every 12 hours.

That’s how often desperate Sunderland households are, on average, turning to the council for help due to being on the brink of homelessness.

The stark statistic has been revealed by the charity CEO Sleepout, ahead of a major annual fundraiser in the city.

The 2025 Sunderland CEO Sleepout will see business leaders from across Wearside spend a night sleeping outdoors at the Stadium of Light on November 6.

The event raises thousands for causes across the city tackling poverty and homelessness, and CEO Sleepout’s Bianca Robinson said the situation across Wearside is getting worse.

“Homelessness is no longer something happening in the shadows – it’s in our communities, at our schools, on our streets, and at our doorstep,” said Bianca, the charity’s CEO, who believes factors such as the Cost-of-Living crisis and the housing and rental sectors are fuelling the problem.

“On average, every 12 hours another Sunderland household has reached crisis point.

“Families are being pushed to the limit, and unless we act together, that figure will only climb.

“The business community is in a powerful, privileged position to help change that story.”

Data obtained via a Freedom of Information request by the North East-based charity show that last year, Sunderland City Council received 737 requests for temporary accommodation.

In just two years, that figure has soared by a startling 22 per cent.

The figures come as CEO Sleepout launches a new campaign aimed directly at Wearside’s business community.

Called ‘At Your Doorstep’, the campaign acts as a blunt wake-up call to the area’s business community to highlight how they are uniquely positioned to transform lives for the better.

“Homelessness is no longer hidden. It’s everywhere. It’s on our commute, outside our offices, in our communities – it’s at our doorstep,” said Bianca.

“That is what the ‘At Your Doorstep’ campaign is trying to reinforce. While businesses and entrepreneurs have been hit in recent years by the likes of the National Insurance hike, they remain the wealth creators. And with that comes responsibility.

“And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – you just need a sleeping bag, one night, and a big enough heart to help.”

One person who is helping the charity this year is entrepreneur Ben Morton, a leadership trainer and coach. Ahead of this year’s fundraiser, he grabbed a sleeping bag and took to the streets – recording a time-lapse video of his experience.

“People walked past me without a second glance, so to think that this is reality for thousands of British people each day is harrowing,” said Ben, who started his career in the Army.

“During my time in the forces, I’d been used to ‘sleeping rough’, but this experience of gave me a different perspective and for those few hours, I just felt invisible.

“But in 2025, nobody should feel that way.

“And while we are all feeling the pinch in business, we are still in a special position of privilege where we can create jobs, wealth – and change.

“Homelessness really is at our doorstep, so we need to pull together and be the changemakers.”

Launched just over a decade ago on Teesside, CEO Sleepout has rapidly grown into a fundraising powerhouse with over £5.5m raised nationally to support hundreds of frontline causes tackling homelessness and poverty.

This year, the charity will stage a record number of events across the UK – although the charity’s CEO sees little cause to celebrate.

“We shouldn’t still need to do this, but the reality is that more people are struggling than ever before,” said Bianca.

“When you join a CEO Sleepout, you’re not just raising funds – you’re sending a message of solidarity and showing that the business world cares about the most vulnerable in our society.”

The causes set to benefit from the event include Emmaus NE, Walking With The Wounded, Depaul UK, Red Sky Foundation and The Foundation of Light.

While conditions are typically tough, Bianca said the experience is one that transforms perspectives.

“There’s always camaraderie, and while it’s cold and uncomfortable, people come back year after year because it matters,” she added.

“If you’ve done well in business, this is your chance to do good in the world.

“Join us in Sunderland for one night that could change lives forever – including your own.”

The Sunderland CEO Sleepout will raise funds for local charities working on the frontline of homelessness and poverty, ensuring money raised stays within the community.

For more information and to sign up, visit www.ceosleepout.co.uk