5 minutes with: Bianca Robinson

Tell us a little about CEO Sleepout and the inspiration behind its creation?

CEO Sleepout kicked off in 2013, thanks to Andy Preston.

Andy wanted to rally UK business leaders to take a stand against homelessness and poverty.

After two successful events at Middlesbrough FC and Newcastle United, the charity was officially formed.

Andy took it upon himself to grow the initiative, organising events across the UK in his spare time.

He asked me to come on board to help drive the charity in 2017.

It’s one of those rare roles that aligns completely with my sense of purpose, and brings together everything I love; leadership, campaigning and making change happen.

I’ve never looked back.

The charity has raised more than £5 million since its inception. What real-world impact have those funds had on the people and organisations it supports?

Since 2013, we’ve supported more than 200 frontline charities across the UK.

That money has gone into helping people in very tangible ways – putting food on plates, keeping roofs over heads and funding vital support services.

In Newcastle, for example, nearly £400,000 has been granted to support local charities assisting people at risk of eviction or those already homeless.

What does a typical CEO Sleepout event involve, and how do participants respond to the experience?

Our big-hearted business leaders spend a night sleeping outdoors, often in iconic venues like Lord’s Cricket Ground or Cardiff Castle.

It’s not about replicating homelessness but about gaining a glimpse into the challenges faced by those without shelter.

We usually hear from people who’ve lived through homelessness themselves, and their stories cut through in a way no stat ever could.

For many, it’s a moment of awakening and a call to action.

They leave more determined to be part of the solution.

CEO Sleepout was founded in Middlesbrough, but has grown into a national brand, with upcoming events in cities such as London, Manchester, Nottingham and Oxford evidence of its expansion. What does that geographic reach say about the strength of the charity’s message?

Our expansion across the UK underscores the universal resonance of our mission.

From Aberdeen in the North East of Scotland, to Portsmouth on the South Coast, and everywhere in between, business leaders are recognising the role they can play in addressing homelessness and poverty, and how they can be part of the solution.

The widespread participation reflects a collective commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

I believe SME businesses have the power to uplift communities and strengthen the very fabric of society.

What prompted you to join the fight against homelessness, and are there any stories or encounters from previous years that have stayed with you?

Every person who has lived through – and overcome – homelessness has a story, and all have stayed with me.

I encourage our community to see someone who is homeless as a mirror – someone with the same hopes, dreams, talents and desire for care and love as we all have.

Our primary lived-experience ambassador Kerri Douglas inspires me every day.

Kerri was in care as a child, and lived rough around Charing Cross and Piccadilly from the age of 13 to 24.

Her journey has been tough, but now she’s a sought-after speaker and author, and helps organisations understand homelessness in a much deeper way.

She’s living proof of what is possible, and why we do what we do.

What are your ambitions for CEO Sleepout over the coming years?

We aim to deepen our impact by expanding our reach and forging stronger partnerships with businesses and communities.

We’re now investing in projects that leave lasting impact and create a positive legacy.

We will continue raising awareness and funds through events and partnerships to support those affected by homelessness and poverty, uniting SME leaders behind our call to create communities where nobody gets left behind.