Big Summer Sleepout to challenge homelessness

Shots' striker Reece Connolly will be taking part in Step by Step's Big Summer Sleepout on June 17th at the AFC stadium.

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With just a few weeks to go, excitement is mounting for local youth homeless charity Step by Step's first ever sponsored sleepout. The Big Summer Sleepout is attracting plenty of attention, with personalities from around the area volunteering to 'sleep out, so others don't have to'. Local MP Gerald Howarth will be opening the event, which takes place on the night of June 17/18 at Aldershot FC's stadium. The football club has been highly supportive; Richard Petty, AFC's General Manager, will be present during the evening and squad member Reece Connolly has pledged to join participants spending the night under the stars.

Other volunteers sleeping out to raise money and awareness of homelessness include Suzi Smith and Stuart Provan, who together form Team Eagle from local radio station EagleFM. Stuart is the popular presenter of 'Live Sessions' and the 'World of Football', a monthly podcast. Teams from groups such as the Rotary Club, churches and families have all registered their places on the terraces. Step by Step staff are also stepping up to the mark, too, with eleven taking part, including Amanda Dubarry, Chief Executive.

Step by Step are hopeful that over £6,000 will be raised through sponsorship, as well as helping to highlight the issue of homelessness in the area. The money will support the charity's 'First Steps', a six-week course, which helps young people to develop essential life skills such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, money management, and general and sexual health. Mastery of these basic skills also increases young people's confidence, self-esteem and respect for others' needs.

Shots player Reece Connolly said, “Homelessness among young people is a real problem so I'm really pleased to be able to support this and raise awareness of the issue.” Richard Petty adds: “The Shots are a part of the Aldershot community and we are delighted to make the club's facilities available for this excellent charity which makes a strong positive contribution to our town and the surrounding area.

There is still plenty of room for additional individuals and teams to sleep out on June 17th, and there will be no shortage of entertainment during the evening. Local bands Our Lost Infantry and Carolina Blue will be playing, and entertainer Juggling Jake will be on hand to teach circus skills. There is also a competition for the best (cardboard) bed of the evening. Things will quieten down at around 11.00pm and the sleepout will end at 7.00am on Saturday morning with breakfast.

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Excitement steps up for Step by Step's Big Sleepout