Influential figures from across South Yorkshire came together on Monday 10 November for the city’s first-ever CEO Sleepout, held at Steel City Stadium, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.
The event saw leaders from business, sport, politics and the community swap their beds for sleeping bags and spend a night under the stars, raising vital funds to support people facing homelessness across the region.
Among those taking part were South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, Olympic gold medallist Ed Clancy, Sheffield Chamber Chief Executive Louisa Harrison-Walker, and Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park Chief Executive Professor Chris Low. They joined more than 50 other participants including senior representatives from AESSEAL, Sheffield Forgemasters, Strata Homes and Westfield Health.
The night began with a welcome from Professor Low and Mayor Coppard, before representatives from the partner charities – The Archer Project, Nomad Opening Doors, and Roundabout – spoke about the life-changing support they provide every day for people experiencing homelessness.
Participants then heard directly from two young people with lived experience of homelessness, who bravely shared their journeys through abuse, neglect and instability, and how, with the right support, they were able to rebuild their lives. Their stories offered a moving reminder of just how complex the causes of homelessness can be.
Mental health struggles, substance misuse, physical ill-health and childhood trauma can all play a part in why someone loses their home – and the challenge is increasing.
According to Shelter, 354,000 people in England were homeless last year, including 161,500 children – a 14% rise on the previous year. These figures highlight why collaboration between charities, communities and business leaders is more vital than ever.
Professor Chris Low said: “It was a pleasure to partner with CEO Sleepout and Steel City Stadium to host this important event. At Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park we are committed to driving health, wellbeing, innovation and social impact, and this event reflected exactly that. Homelessness is a challenge none of us can solve alone, but the strength, compassion and determination shown by business leaders across the region give real hope for positive change.”
Daniel Murphy, UK Coordinator at CEO Sleepout, added: “As CEO Sleepout UK’s first event in Sheffield, the response from local organisations was outstanding. The event sparked important conversations – exactly what CEO Sleepout is about: fostering collaboration, driving change from the top, and showing communities what leadership in action looks like.”
The Sleepout highlighted the important role business leaders can play in driving long-term solutions to tackle homelessness in the region. Raising funds and awareness is crucial, but building stronger connections between charities, communities and businesses is what leads to meaningful, lasting change.
Organisers and participants are already planning a follow-up event to explore how the momentum can continue — particularly around early intervention and prevention, supporting people long before they reach crisis point.
Fundraising has reached almost £40,000, with donations still coming in. Funds will be shared between The Archer Project, Nomad Opening Doors and Roundabout to support their frontline work, helping individuals and families in crisis.
By hosting the Sleepout at Steel City Stadium, Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park demonstrated how its spaces can be about much more than sport, research and business — they can serve as powerful venues for social good, bringing people together to tackle the issues that matter most.
