After a two-year absence, the live sleep out returns on Friday 7th October, with teams of sleepers coming together at five locations across the UK, including Blythswood Square Gardens in Glasgow City Centre.

Teams taking part are being asked to fundraise in the lead up to the event and on the night they will all come together for a unique bonding experience.

Boycott Your bed will see participants gather for an indoor reception at the Renfield Centre for food, a quiz and the chance to hear from local young people who have been helped by Action for Children. They will then make their way to Blythswood Square Gardens to spend the night sleeping outside with only a mat and a sleeping bag to protect them from the elements.

One in four children in Scotland are growing up in the grip of poverty and the cost of living crisis is crippling families who were only just managing to survive before the onset of the pandemic and rising energy, food and fuel prices. Money raised from Boycott your Bed will go towards ensuring children have the basics – like warm clothes, hot meals and a proper bed, as well as mental health support for vulnerable young people and families.

The event is organised by Action for Children in partnership with a board of senior business people who are committed to supporting the charity’s work. They encourage other businesses to get involved in supporting the cause too, by registering at www.boycottyourbed.co.uk.

Linda Murray, director of strategy at Scottish Enterprise, said: “Vulnerable families need our help and support now more than ever, during the cost of living crisis, and I’m proud to be able to offer my support again this year.”

Grant McFarlane, senior high value relationship manager at Action for Children, added: “We are delighted to welcome teams from businesses who are willing to forgo a night of comfort to sleep out in Blythswood Square Gardens. The children, young people and families we help suffered disproportionately throughout the pandemic and continue to do so as the cost-of-living crisis escalates. Boycotting your bed helps the charity in our mission to provide emotional and practical support to those suffering the most during this time.”

For the last 25 years, Action for Children has challenged people to give up their bed for a night, raising an incredible £13 million along the way. This has made an incredible difference in the charity’s efforts to help the most vulnerable children, families and young people across the country. This year’s event is more important than ever as the charity strives to help more families than ever before amidst the cost of living crisis.

Michael Phair, operations director at IT recruitment firm Be-IT, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to raise well-needed funds! Myself and the team from Be-IT are excited to be a part of it and looking forward to meeting everyone at the event in Blythswood Square Gardens.

“Supporting what Action for Children is doing with Boycott Your Bed was an easy decision. The cost of living crisis is having a disproportionate impact on low-income families and I’m proud that Be-IT will play a part in providing support to those children and families in need.”