West Yorkshire law firm beds down in support of homelessness charity

A West-Yorkshire based homelessness charity has announced the headline sponsor and corporate participants of an upcoming fundraising event.

Simon on the Streets, which offers support to homeless and vulnerable people across Bradford, Leeds and Kirklees has partnered with law firm Schofield Sweeney to support its upcoming fundraising event Simon’s Sleepover.

Residents and businesses are invited to join the event and employees from the 170-strong workforce as they bed down in their gardens, sofas, and floors for the night of 19th November to highlight increased homelessness.
People are encouraged to get involved and raise sponsorship with all funds going towards Simon on the Streets’ essential work in the region, which includes street-based support for people affected by homelessness, which continues to rise.

Schofield Sweeney which has offices in Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield has supported the charity since 2017, getting involved in fundraising via previous sleep-outs, bake sales, bike rides, and business events such as networking and golf day.

Schofield Sweeney’s marketing manager Ann-Marie Keighley commented: “Each year we hold a staff vote to decide which charities we support, and Simon on the Streets came top of the list again in 2021. We have offices in Leeds, Bradford and Huddersfield, the same area the charity covers, and our team visibly sees the people affected by homelessness daily.

“The work the charity’s outreach workers and volunteers undertake is incredible and we are delighted to do what we can to support the charity, which offers so much to individuals at a time when they need it more than ever.”

Simon on the Streets’ CEO, Natalie Moran said: “We’re seeing more demand for our support and as we approach winter, it is a critical time to reach vulnerable people in need on our streets.

“With the continued uncertainty of Covid-19 we were unable to hold our annual sleepout, but the support shown by businesses such as Schofield Sweeney to get involved in Simon’s Sleepover and allow us to continue our work has been phenomenal.

“Schofield Sweeney has been a generous supporter of ours over recent years and we’re truly grateful to them for coming on board as our headline sponsor for this event combatting the issues of homelessness.”

Further support comes from businesses in the region including John Sisk & Sons, Zeal and Weightmans taking part in Simon’s Sleepover.