Darlington business leaders preparing for CEO Sleepout
More than 20 people will experience what it's like to be homeless
Darlington business leaders are going to be spending a night under the stars with nothing but a sleeping bag and some cardboard.
More than 20 people are taking part to experience what it's like to be homeless on the 20th November at Mowden Park.
It's been organised by CEO Sleepout, which is based in Middlesbrough, and launched a decade ago. To date it has raised over £5.5m nationally to support hundreds of frontline causes tackling homelessness and poverty.
This year, the charity will stage a record number of events across the UK.
Bianca Robinson, CEO of CEO Sleepout, said: "We shouldn’t still need to do this, but the reality is that more people are struggling than ever before, and the situation locally is frightening.
“When you join a CEO Sleepout, you’re sending a message of solidarity and showing that the business world cares about the most vulnerable in our society, whilst raising funds that will make an immediate impact.
"And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – just one night, a sleeping bag, and the courage to care.”
With that in mind, CEO Sleepout has launched a new campaign aimed directly at the Tees Valley business community.
Called ‘At Your Doorstep’, the campaign acts as a blunt wake-up call to the county's business community to highlight how they are uniquely positioned to transform lives for the better.
Bianca added: “Homelessness is no longer hidden. It’s everywhere. It’s on our commute, outside our offices, in our communities – it’s at our doorstep.
"That is what the 'At Your Doorstep' campaign is trying to reinforce. While businesses and entrepreneurs have been hit in recent years by the likes of the National Insurance hike, they remain the wealth creators. And with that comes responsibility.
"And you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference – you just need a sleeping bag, one night, and a big enough heart to help.”
One person who is helping the charity this year is entrepreneur Ben Morton, who started his career in the Army. He is now a leadership trainer and coach.
Ahead of this year’s fundraiser, he grabbed a sleeping bag and took to the streets – recording a time-lapse video of his experience.
"People walked past me without a second glance, so to think that this is reality for thousands of British people each day is harrowing.
"During my time in the forces, I’d been used to ‘sleeping rough’, but this experience of gave me a different perspective and for those few hours, I just felt invisible.
“But in 2025, nobody should feel that way.
“And while we are all feeling the pinch in business, we are still in a special position of privilege where we can create jobs, wealth – and change.
“Homelessness really is at our doorstep, so we need to pull together and be the changemakers.”
Participants at the CEO Sleepout will brave the cold for a night outdoors. Money raised from the event will benefit local causes including First Stop and ManHealth.
Bianca said: "There’s always laughter and while it’s cold, people come back every year because it matters.
“If you’ve done well in business, this is your chance to do good in the world. Join us in Darlington for one night that could change everything.”
For more information, or to take part, visit the CEO Sleepout website.