Brighton manager Graham Potter sleeps rough to raise awareness of homelessness

'The Big Sleep Out' aims to support the homeless community

Graham Potter joined 'The Big Sleep Out' in Brighton city centre on Friday night to raise awareness and crucial funds for homeless people in Brighton & Hove. The Seagulls boss, his assistant Billy Reid and first-team coach Bruno, joined a number of other people from St Peter's Church for an event organised by local charity Off the Fence. Off the Fence run 'Project Anti-Freeze' each winter, which aims to support the homeless community. The money that is raised from the event goes towards some of the charity’s work such as its Anti-Freeze Project, which offers a range of care including food, sleeping bags, clothes, showers and laundry services at its day centre and emotional support for the homeless. Speaking on the event, Potter said: "We had an easy version of sleeping rough, but it still gave us an insight into the challenges the homeless community face on a daily and nightly basis. "Having experienced just one night out on the street, I cannot imagine what it would be like suffering in this way with no idea of what the future holds or where the next meal might be coming from. "There is a ridiculous stigma attached. These are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and they need our help and support. Many are suffering from illness, poor health and it is heart breaking in 2021 that we still see people living on our streets. "There are some amazing charities across the UK, and here in Brighton & Hove, who do some amazing work. It's getting tougher for those organisations, and as we move into the depths of winter when the nights will get colder, with temperatures going sub-zero, I would urge those of you who can, to give them your support this winter." The Big Sleep Out - which is an annual fundraising challenge that allows people to experience what life is like for the homeless community in Brighton & Hove - raises money which allows people to help them. Related links:

• Newcastle and Brighton buy RVs for red-list internationals to self-isolate in
• Jeff Stelling loses it on Soccer Saturday after Brighton denied blatant penalty
• Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes loses tooth during draw with Brighton