CREDITON residents are being invited to trade their warm beds for a night under the stars, all in aid of local people facing homelessness and hardship.

CHAT (Churches Housing Action Team) is bringing its Sponsored Sleepout to Crediton this October, raising funds for Springboard – a partnership between CHAT and Crediton Foodbank supporting people in Crediton and the surrounding area.

On Friday, October 9, participants will gather at Crediton United Football Club from 7pm before settling down to sleep outdoors for the night. The event offers a chance to experience – just for one night – a fraction of the reality faced by those who have nowhere safe to call home.

The sleepout is free to join, but everyone taking part is encouraged to gather sponsorship from friends, family and colleagues, with funds raised helping Springboard continue supporting people within the local Crediton community.

Alison Padfield, CEO of CHAT, said: “For many people, a night without a safe and secure place to call home is their reality. While taking part in a sleepout for one night can’t truly replicate that experience, it does give us an opportunity to reflect on something many of us are fortunate enough to take for granted.

“Partnerships like Springboard are so important because people facing hardship often need more than one kind of support. By working alongside Crediton Foodbank, we can help ensure that people who need emergency food can also access ongoing advice and support around housing, debt and other challenges they may be facing.

“The money raised through the Crediton Sleepout will help us continue providing that support locally, so thank you, whether you are choosing to sleep out or supporting someone who is.”

Springboard brings together the expertise of CHAT and Crediton Foodbank to provide joined-up support for people in Crediton and the surrounding area. Alongside access to emergency food, people can receive advice and practical support to help address issues including housing, homelessness and debt.

By taking part in or donating to the Crediton Sleepout, supporters will be helping people within their own local community, ensuring that vital advice and support remains available to those who need it.

The Crediton event follows a Tiverton Sleepout taking place on Friday, September 18 at Tiverton Town Football Club. Residents from across Mid Devon are welcome to take part in either – or both – events.

Individuals, families, community groups and local businesses are all encouraged to get involved. To sign up, visit CHAT's website, where sponsor forms are also available to download.

For more information about the Crediton Sleepout, email [email protected].