Newcastle business leaders chosen to represent the city for CEO Sleepout

Newcastle corporate business individuals have been recognised for their support to CEO Sleepout, a charity which is dedicated to tackling homelessness and creating social impact.

CEO Sleepout have launched their corporate ambassadors’ programme and selected corporate individuals across the country to represent the charity.

Three business leaders from Newcastle; Tracey Chandler from Emirates, Steven Rawlinson from Samuel Knight and Catherine Harland from Menopause Mentor, have been recognised for their exceptional commitment and support of the charity over the years, and have been selected to represent the charity in Newcastle.

Chief executive of CEO Sleepout Bianca Robinson said: “I’m delighted the corporate ambassadors’ programme has launched.

“The ambassadors that have been selected are passionate about creating social value within their business communities and take pride in raising awareness for CEO Sleepout among their networks.

“Many have participated in multiple sleepouts or raised substantial funds for the cause, demonstrating their genuine commitment to making a positive impact.”

CEO Sleepout hosts events across the country, where business individuals ‘sleepout’, in order to raise awareness and funds to help towards tackling homelessness.

The individuals chosen to be corporate ambassadors have previously shown their support by participating in CEO Sleepout events.

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Tracey Chandler, who works as an account manager at Emirates, participated in one of the first Middlesbrough sleepouts at the Riverside Stadium, and has since proudly participated in seven sleepouts over the years.

Tracey explained:“As a girl who has never camped, the sleepout was completely outside of my comfort zone, however, it was the most humbling experience of my life. I wanted to continue to help.

“Homelessness is such a taboo subject which is continually swept under the carpet. We must continue to raise awareness, now more than ever with the cost-of-living crisis truly kicking in.”

Steven Rawlingson from recruitment company Samuel Knight has also taken part in sleepouts over the years, and explained his support for the cause, as he said:  “In modern-day society, I believe every person should have a warm bed and hot meal.

“CEO Sleepout is a great charity, and you see firsthand how the money raised is helping the local communities throughout the UK, not just North East, which will hopefully one day lead to an end of homelessness.”

Founder of Menopause Mentor, Catherine Harland first took part in a CEO Sleepout five years ago and is determined to continue her support in raising awareness for homelessness.

She said: “I’m honoured to be an ambassador for such a worthwhile charity and I’m passionate about raising awareness.

“Homelessness is a complex issue which has got progressively worse of late. It requires a collaborative approach from many sectors including community organisations, charities and the government. However, businesses can also play a part in tackling homelessness by supporting CEO Sleepout.”

To learn more about CEO Sleepout and the support it provides, please visit their website.