Press Release: Pembrokeshire Man to Sleep Rough for Two Days and Nights to Raise Money and Awareness for Homelessness
Wellies & Wellness founder to spend 48 hours sleeping rough in January, with all funds raised going to Homeless Pembrokeshire.
A Pembrokeshire man who founded the growing community initiative Wellies & Wellness is preparing to spend two days and two nights sleeping rough to raise vital funds and awareness for people experiencing homelessness across the county.
On 1st and 2nd January 2027, the founder of Wellies & Wellness, known locally as Wellies, will be swapping the comfort and warmth of his home for the cold winter conditions outdoors, in an effort to highlight the harsh realities faced by those without a safe place to call home.
The challenge aims to raise £2,000 for Homeless Pembrokeshire, with all money raised through the fundraising appeal going towards supporting people experiencing homelessness, including providing essential supplies such as sleeping bags, tents, warm clothing, toiletries and other necessities.
Wellies & Wellness was originally established to support mental health and autism through outdoor activities, but the initiative has since expanded into tackling important community issues across Pembrokeshire.
Through its ongoing community walkabouts, the project has been highlighting concerns affecting local residents, giving people a voice and raising awareness of issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.
More recently, messages and personal accounts from people affected by homelessness have inspired Wellies to take action.
Speaking about the challenge, Wellies said:
“I’ve been absolutely shocked by some of the stories I’ve heard about homelessness right here in Pembrokeshire.
“We live in such a beautiful part of the world, and I think sometimes people don’t realise just how many individuals and families are struggling behind closed doors, sleeping on sofas, living in temporary accommodation or facing the possibility of having nowhere to go.
“I’m not going to pretend that sleeping rough for two nights means I’ll fully understand what it’s like to be homeless. I’ll have a home to return to afterwards, and many people don’t have that luxury.
“But if spending 48 hours out in the cold helps raise awareness, starts conversations and raises money to help even a handful of people, then it will be worth every minute.
“Nobody should have to face the freezing winter months without somewhere safe and warm to sleep.
“This is about giving people a voice, showing a little compassion and reminding everyone that homelessness can happen to anybody.”
The challenge will also be documented through the Wellies & Wellness social media channels, allowing supporters to follow the experience and learn more about homelessness within their local communities.
Members of the public are being encouraged to support the fundraising campaign, whether through donations, sharing the appeal or getting involved in the initiative.
Wellies is also inviting anyone who would like to join him for part of the challenge or organise their own fundraising activities to get in touch.
All funds raised through the appeal will go towards Homeless Pembrokeshire.
With Wellies & Wellness reaching more than one million views a month on Facebook, the project hopes to use its growing platform to shine a much-needed spotlight on homelessness and encourage the wider community to come together.
Wellies added:
“Wellies & Wellness has always been about helping people. Whether that’s through mental health, supporting children with autism or giving our communities a voice, the message has always been the same.
“Sometimes the smallest act of kindness can make the biggest difference.
“Let’s come together as Pembrokeshire and show those who are struggling that they haven’t been forgotten.”
How to Support
Donations can be made through the official Wellies & Wellness GoFundMe fundraising appeal.
GoFundMe donation link:
https://www.gofundme.com/u/be8d0e62-f86e-4462-a003-af837d76ba5e
Every donation, no matter how small, will help support the campaign. Members of the public are also encouraged to share the fundraising link with friends, family and local community groups.
For further information, fundraising enquiries or media interviews, please contact Wellies & Wellness through its Facebook