Business leaders in Milton Keynes have been urged to grab a bag an sign up for a major fundraiser to help the city’s homeless.
The annual CEO Sleepout takes place at Stadium MK on Thursday November 13, with the event raising money for local organisations like Unity MK, The Shelter MK, and YMCA MK.
It comes against a bleak backdrop in which a record number of homeless people in the UK died last year, while rates of homelessness – including children – are now at the highest level since records began.
One charity supported by CEO Sleepout said the situation in Milton Keynes mirrors the national picture and has urged as many people as possible to help out ahead of the winter.
“In Milton Keynes, a recent Commemoration Service honoured 18 people who had lost their lives over the past three years. Each one represents a life once full of dreams, loved ones left behind, and a loss to our community,” said Emma Johnson, CEO of Unity MK.
“Every one of those lives mattered, and their memory strengthens our resolve to ensure that no one is left without hope, help, or a home. By taking part in the CEO Sleepout, business leaders can positively change homelessness in our city. Funds raised through this event contribute directly to the vital work of local charities like Unity MK, providing solutions of accommodation and support. Spending just one cold night under the stars may seem a small act, but it can spark real change, bring communities together, and quite literally help save lives.”
Launched in the North East a decade ago, CEO Sleepout 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, although the charity’s CEO sees little cause to celebrate.
“We shouldn’t still need to do this, but the reality is that more people are struggling than ever before,” said CEO Sleepout CEO, Bianca Robinson.
“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.”
With that in mind, CEO Sleepout has launched a new campaign aimed directly at Milton Keynes’ 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.
“Homelessness is no longer hidden. It’s everywhere. It’s on our commute, outside our offices, in our communities – it’s at our doorstep,” said Bianca.
“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, 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,” said Ben, who started his career in the Army. 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
And while the conditions are typically tough, Bianca said the experience of a sleepout is unforgettable – and one that shifts mindsets and save lives.
“There’s always laughter and while it’s cold, people come back every year because it matters,” she added. If you’ve done well in business, this is your chance to do good in the world. Join us in Milton Keynes for one night that could change everything.”
For more information, or to take part, please visit the CEO Sleepout website.
