Edinburgh's Sleep Out to end homelessness will return for an in-person event this year after the success of last year's virtual event.
On Friday, 11 March, individuals will gather outside the City Chambers in the capital to sleep under the stars and raise money during a stand against homelessness across Scotland.
The Big Bethany Sleep Out has been a popular event for the last 19 years in Scotland, with hundreds of people gathering outside and tackling the elements, with raised over £400,000 to date.
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For the first time since the pandemic hit, the event will be in-person, despite the popular virtual event last year, where people ditched their bed and slept on the floor, in the garden or in tents, whilst tuning in via Facebook Live to connect with others.
Last year's event alone raised over £25,000 with 100% of proceeds going to Bethany's life-saving work.
As well as the in-person event this year, another virtual alternative will be available for those who still want to do their bit to end homelessness across the city.
The event will begin at 9pm with a presentation on preparing for the night, followed by live music and other activities, before participants proceed to Sleep Out under the stars and brave the freezing cold conditions which many have no other choice to every night.
Hot drinks will be available throughout the night, and courtesy of charity partner, Rapid Relief Team UK, a cooked breakfast will be provided in the morning.
Cameron Black, Director of Crisis Intervention at Bethany Christian Trust, said: "The Big Bethany Sleep Out is an incredible event. It has been so much fun for everyone involved year after year. We are really excited about having the event back in the City Chambers, with people joining from home too.
"The thing is that it isn’t just fun, it's raising vital funds and awareness for people who have no option but to sleep out. Thank you so much to everyone who gives up their bed for this purpose, maybe this year you could join?"
Previous Bethany Sleep Out participant, Bridget Blackmore said: "Every time I have been amazed at the amount of money I have raised and the sponsors who have thanked me for doing this to enable them to give, but not have to leave the comfort of their own beds!
To someone considering signing up, I would say do it. One uncomfortable night is nothing compared with … the great things you will enable Bethany to do with the money you raise"
