Hundreds of people brave the cold to tackle homelessness crisis

Hundreds of individuals came together at Millennium Point, defying freezing temperatures to participate in the annual Sleepout, a fundraising event organised by St Basils homelessness charity.

The event aimed to raise crucial funds to combat the growing homelessness crisis, intensified by rising rents and the escalating cost of living.

The overwhelming response showcased a united front against homelessness, with participants experiencing a night outdoors on Friday, 1st December to empathise with young people facing housing insecurity. The generosity of supporters was evident, with Millennium Point graciously providing the venue free of charge, Schumacher Packaging again donating 500 cardboard boxes for makeshift shelters, and the West Midlands Fire Brigade brass band filling the air with festive tunes.

The support extended beyond a cardboard roof over their heads, with the charity Langar Aid providing warm, nourishing curries with freshly baked bread to the fundraisers throughout the night. Despite the biting cold, spirits remained high.

Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising and Communications at St Basils, said:

"The Sleepout embodies solidarity. Each participant, charity partner, and supporter are contributing to our vital work preventing youth homelessness.

“Each year we support nearly 4,000 young people in the Midlands. This event is not just a fundraiser; it's a powerful statement against the homelessness crisis gripping our communities. The money raised ensures St Basils stays at the heart of those communities as a safety net for those vulnerable young people who need us."

The event has already raised an impressive £66,000, with additional contributions expected in the coming weeks. Every pound raised goes towards St Basils' comprehensive efforts to prevent youth homelessness, providing accommodation, education, and support for vulnerable young people.

A Sleepout participant added: "Sleeping out tonight is a stark reminder of the struggles many face daily. The rising rents and cost-of-living crisis make it tougher for vulnerable young people. I bought my home over 20 years ago. I simply couldn’t afford to do that now with the soaring property prices, and the cost of rental properties in the Midlands are so high. I don’t know how young people are expected to live. If you haven’t got family who can support you or you come from care or an abusive home, how do you survive? Thank goodness for organisations like St Basils.”

As the Sleepout concludes, the message is clear: it takes a community to end homelessness. St Basils continues to welcome donations which can be made at https://stbasils.org.uk/donate-2/

Aurora Managed Services Acquires Blue Sky Digital

Aurora Managed Services has completed the acquisition of Blue Sky Digital effective from 1st December 2023.

Blue Sky Digital was founded in 2011 by brothers Ian and Neil Brewer and has grown to become one of the leading Managed Print Solution providers in South Wales and beyond. Blue Sky Digital’s remarkable organic growth has been driven by a passion for delivering highquality services which has been repaid by the trust and loyalty of its customers.

Blue Sky Digital’s focus on excellence has seen it become a trusted partner across many SME businesses and in the education and local government sectors.

Aurora Managed Services is one of the UK’s largest independent Managed Print Solutions providers with customer centric values and a commitment to excellence.

Whilst providing scale at a national level, service is focused locally, close to customers. The combination of Aurora and Blue Sky Digital will enhance both businesses and, importantly, benefit new and existing customers.

Andy Moffitt, Aurora’s CEO, said: “We are delighted and extremely proud to add Blue Sky Digital to Aurora. The acquisition brings scale and further geographical presence in line with our Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) strategy and a marriage of very similar cultures.

“Ian and Neil have built a fantastic business with a great brand that we intend to maintain. We are also delighted that Ian and Neil will remain with the business to continue their excellent work as we jointly build on Blue Sky Digital’s impressive track record and bring more solutions and innovation to customers.”

Ian Brewer, Managing Director of Blue Sky Digital, said: “We are really excited to become part of the Aurora Managed Services Group and are looking forward to continuing to help grow our presence within Wales and the South West. Having met with the Aurora board members and senior management I feel certain this is the right choice for us at Blue Sky as we benefit from the extra services we can pass on to our loyal customer base.

“We feel energised and enthused for the future as we become part of the Aurora family. To our existing customers we look forward to continuing to provide the same levels of proactive service with the same team members at your disposal.”