The Big Issue Foundation are pleased to welcome Big Issue vendor Sean to The Big Sleep Out 2019, where he will be joining participants bedding down on the cold concrete stalls of the Kia Oval to raise money for Big Issue vendors.
Sean has been selling the magazine in Chipping Norton for five years after originally selling in Oxford where he slept rough, preferring a tent to the local hostels. From Oxford, he moved to Chipping Norton to stay in a caravan and later moved into his own flat tenancy.
“I was grateful for the help I got from The Big Issue Foundation, so I’ve taken part in various Night Walks and Sleep Outs over the years,” says Sean.
As well as raising money for The Big Issue Foundation to support other vendors like himself, Sean’s support of the event gives the participants a chance to talk to a vendor and find out more about homelessness along with the realities of rough sleeping. Sean appeared on our panel of Big Issue vendors at last year’s Big Sleep Out, saying “It was good fun and I hope people learned something.”
The Big Sleep Out offers individuals the opportunity to abandon their comfort zone in solidarity with Big Issue vendors. Alongside spending a night outside on the cold concrete of the Kia Oval, participants will hear from vendors with first hand experience of rough sleeping and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Past participants have found the event an ‘inspiring experience’ with one induvial saying:
