Recent regional research has shown that Sheffield’s rough sleeping rate (per 1,000 population) was more than three times the national average in 2023. Local charities are reporting a sharp increase in demand, particularly for young people experiencing homelessness, and their services are stretched beyond capacity. We have a real crisis in our city.

At the recent opening ceremony of Steel City Stadium’s coworking lounge and cafe, we heard from Dan Murphy, UK Coordinator of CEO Sleepout, an event coming to the Stadium in November. He shared these stats and invited business leaders to take part in the fundraiser. Our CEO, Tom Wolfenden, signed up on the spot.

CEO Sleepout Sheffield - taking place on Monday 10 November 2025 - is part of a national campaign that has raised millions for charities supporting people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The Sheffield event aims not only to raise funds but to mobilise local business and sporting communities to create more pathways out of homelessness, particularly for young people and to spotlight local services that help people rebuild their lives.

Dan shared the story of Charlie, who as a teenager experienced homelessness and, after accessing support from local charity, Roundabout, has gone on to become an ambassador for the charity and a thriving figure skater. He’ll be at the event in November, telling his story live, giving participants a first-hand account of homelessness and the transformative impact of local support services.

Speaking about his involvement in Sheffield CEO Sleepout, Tom said:

“Every day I walk between the Tech Parks and Leah’s Yard and I see the visible rise in city centre homelessness - it’s deeply worrying. What’s harder still is knowing that what we see on the streets is only the tip of a much larger problem.

“Much of my work and that of the Tech Parks is focused on building Sheffield’s economy, but it’s difficult to take pride in economic growth if people are still finding themselves without somewhere safe to sleep at night. It’s not good enough. An economically strong city should benefit every person living here.

“There’s obviously a lot of work to do, but the CEO Sleepout is a useful way of capturing the public and institutional attention needed to increase investment and improve our response to this crisis. I’m proud to be taking part and supporting the amazing charities that work hard to turn things around for people like Charlie.”

CEO Sleepout Sheffield will raise funds for local frontline organisations working across prevention, emergency support and long-term recovery:

Roundabout (South Yorkshire) – supporting 16–25 year olds with emergency accommodation, advice, training and outreach.

The Cathedral Archer Project – offering food, clothing, housing support and community for vulnerable adults.

Nomad Opening Doors – improving access to safe, affordable housing and providing ongoing tenancy support.

If you are able to, please support Tom’s fundraising for these charities and the people they are supporting every day. You can sponsor him at: https://ceosleepout.enthuse.com/pf/tom-wolfenden. Thank you.