On Friday 7 October, the Training Matters (TM) team and other Communications International Group (CIG) colleagues took to the streets to help raise awareness and funds for Action for Children, our Recognition of Excellence (RoE) 2022 charity partner.

Founded 25 years ago, the ‘Boycott your Bed’ campaign challenges people to give up their bed for the night and has – so far – raised over £13 million, money that has had a huge impact on children, young people and their families across the UK.

After a two year hiatus due to Covid-19, the aim was to make 2022 bigger and better than ever. Across the country, groups of colleagues gathered together for an evening they’d never forget.

In London, after kicking things off with an ice breaker challenge, we listened to talks from the Action for Children team and celebrities including Jenny Agutter and Jessica Hynes. We learnt about the work the charity does up and down the country. A particular highlight was hearing personal stories from those Action for Children have helped in the past and seeing just how big their impact is.

After a quick meal, we piled onto the buses, disembarking at Trinity Gardens, Tower Hill – our home for the night. The night was a little cold and wet, but just a mere glimpse into the prospects facing real children and young people right now in the UK.

Our team were delighted to double their target of £1,000 to £2,030 thanks to some extraordinarily generous donations. Our donation page is still live and if you were able to contribute we’d be incredibly grateful. Just visit our JustGiving page.

You can also register your interest for Boycott your Bed 2023.