People will be camping out at Hull Kingston Rovers next month, and it’s nothing to do with bagging tickets for a pop concert. Instead of Coldplay think cold concrete, and winds howling off the Humber, rattling the plastic seats and bringing chilly wintry showers. Curled up in any corners they can find will be the corporate campers. They’re not just volunteering for the ordeal – they’re paying well over any hotel rate in the region to raise money for three local charities. “Each charity is supporting local people at a time of real need in their lives,” said Deb Oxley, founding director of Oxley Works Ltd and a Deputy Lieutenant of the East Riding. “They are working with homelessness, end of life care, or helping people get back into the mainstream through education and employment. So even though I am dreading a night in the cold, I am happy to make that sacrifice to help, in my own small way.” The Big Hull and East Yorkshire Sleepout 2024 will take place at Sewell Group Craven Park from 7pm on Thursday 7 November until 7am the next day to raise money for Dove House Hospice, Hull Homeless and Resettlement Project (HARP) and the Hull KR Foundation. The event is the brainchild of Sean Henderson, managing director of Sewell Facilities Management, who will be braving the elements with growing numbers of colleagues, clients and contacts including Paul Hamnett, chief executive of the Foundation, and Chris Sadler, chief executive of Dove House. The participants will be stripped of all luxuries and left to sleep out in the cold terracing and seating of the stadium equipped with only a sleeping bag and some cardboard. They are asked to raise a minimum of £500 to take part, and to sign up a companion as well. The Rooted in Hull project will provide a warming but simple meal of soup and bread, and there will be opportunities to donate more cash by bidding in a silent auction for such “luxuries” as a camp bed. Jo Barnes, managing director of Sewell Group, plans to draw on the experience of camping trips when her sons were young. She said: “I know it’s all about layers, a woolly hat, warm drinks and a few laughs along the way. The causes we are raising money for are all really important to our community, and, on the upside, it’s not like I’m running a marathon and have to have a training plan in preparation, so I think I’m getting away lightly!” Chris prepared for the sleepout challenge by scouring the stadium for suitable locations to get his head down – stretching out on the terraces, bedding down between the seats and even nestling at the bottom of a stairwell. He admitted: “I’m just not sure this is the right challenge for me to be involved in. I think I can just about contend with sleeping in a cardboard box in the middle of November but the big challenge for me as a lifelong Hull FC fan will be convincing colleagues to join me for a night under the stars – and doing it in the red and whites’ backyard! “Raising the £500 target shouldn’t be seen as a hurdle. Start by reaching out to friends and family, and then tap into your network of clients, suppliers, or customers. Office-friendly activities, like a bake-off followed by a bake sale, a lunchtime quiz, or even raffling off a holiday day, can generate a substantial portion of your target. “These events not only help raise funds but also create excitement in the workplace, energising meetings and offering opportunities to reconnect with people you may not have spoken to in a while.” Deb said: “I’m doing this because local charities depend almost entirely on local support. It’s important that everyone that can, from time to time, donate some of their time, thought, energy or even money to organisations that exist because there is a need that the public or private sector can’t fill. “I am really looking forward however to spending some quality time with other local leaders to hopefully discuss how we can do more for all of the charities in the area – and to seeing how each of us copes with the cold too! “But having never done this I am out of my depth! Three things that I will take with me – and hopefully bring back – are my sense of humour, my stamina and a big hot water bottle!” Asked if she had ever paid £500 for an overnight stay for one, Deb replied: “Absolutely not!” If you would like to take part in the Big Hull and East Yorkshire Sleep Out 2024, please contact Paul Hamnett at paul.hamnett@hullkr.co.uk or visit https://hullkr.co.uk/big-hull-and-east-yorkshire-sleepout-2024

Construction firm, Henry Boot Construction, has teamed up with several of its supply chain partners to deliver a pro bono office fit-out for wellbeing charity, Golddigger Trust. Officially registered as a charity in 2007, Golddigger Trust has supported thousands of young people over the years, building positive wellbeing and empowering individuals to make affirmative, informed choices for themselves. In an age of increasing mental health challenges for young people, the demand for and importance of their services continues to grow. The Sheffield-based charity recently relocated their office from Psalter Lane to The Refinery at 197 Ecclesall Road. Previously home to Blend Kitchen, the move has seen them inherit an impressive kitchen and restaurant space downstairs. The team has decided to transform this space into a Wellbeing Café, which will offer a range of engaging wellbeing activities for the heart, body, mind and soul. The Wellbeing Café for young people launched in September and has welcomed over 100 people in that time. Its opening times are 3 to 6pm, Monday to Thursday. Golddigger Trust’s new office space is located on the floor above, and Henry Boot Construction has project managed the creation of a modern, comfortable and collaborative new workspace. As well as the office space, Henry Boot also co-ordinated the fit-out of Golddigger Trust’s new training and session spaces, including the creation of The Refine Studio, a dedicated space where young people can explore positive physical activities to support their wellbeing – such as yoga and pilates. Henry Boot chose to support the project to create significant social value for Sheffield’s young people and to invest in the legacy of the Heart of the City project completed in 2023. Henry Boot worked closely with a host of its trusted local supply chain to deliver the social value project, with Elecomm supporting with mechanical and electrical services, Barn Oak with joinery, and Global with drywall and ceiling work. Banner Plant, part of the wider Henry Boot group, donated many of the required tools free-of-charge, and C+A Design provided its architectural services pro bono, too. Tony Shaw, Managing Director from Henry Boot Construction, said: “As a business deeply rooted in Sheffield, we are always eager to give back to the city and its communities. “Golddigger Trust is a remarkable organisation, supporting thousands of young people, and we are thrilled to have played a part in bringing everyone together to create an incredible new office space for them. This would not have been possible without the support of our trusted local partners and a financial donation from the Henry Boot Charity Committee – it was truly a team effort. “We look forward to continuing to build our relationship with Golddigger Trust, including welcoming them into our own office to provide some wellbeing sessions for our young employees.” Beth Stout, Chief Executive at Golddigger Trust, said: “When we set out to open The Refinery, I remember saying that we could only do it by doing it together – that it would take Sheffield stepping up to show our city’s young people that their wellbeing matters to us, and we have been overwhelmed by how Henry Boot and partners have stepped up to make this dream a reality. “We couldn’t have done it without these amazing people and their hard work will have a huge impact on the lives of thousands of young people. We are so grateful for these deeply skilled and committed people who have delivered a brilliant fit out and enabled us to open The Refinery as a beacon for young people’s wellbeing, shining out across the city to show young people that they matter. “The work that’s been achieved so far is incredible – getting us ready to help support thousands of young people across the city. But we’re not quite there yet. We’re still on the lookout for support from generous local businesses to help us finish off the kitchens and flooring. If anyone can help us with this final leg of our refurbishment journey, we’d love to hear from you.”