02 Nov 2026
The Forward Trust's Chief Executive, Mike Trace, will join this year's London CEO Sleepout this November, drawing on his own experience of homelessness to help raise awareness and funds for people facing some of society's toughest challenges.
On 23 November, Mike will be among a group of supporters from The Forward Trust taking part in the London CEO Sleepout.
CEO Sleepout raises awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping through events held across the UK, bringing together business leaders and organisations in support of people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion.
The events offer senior leaders a small insight into the realities of sleeping rough while raising vital funds for charities providing support to people affected by homelessness, addiction and other complex challenges.
Speaking about his decision to take part, Mike said:
"Having been through a period of homelessness in my twenties, I was attracted to the idea of the CEO Sleepout and thought I would give it a go.
"Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of helping people who are on the margins of society prove to themselves that they have value and potential, and then helping them show it to the world.
"Some people say junkie, criminal, dosser - good people ask what went wrong, and what can we do to help. If you agree, please sponsor me through this page - all the money goes to The Forward Trust, an organisation that helps 40,000 people each year to turn things around, and of which I am the proud Chief Executive."
Homelessness remains a significant issue across England, with official estimates indicating that around 4,793 people were sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025.
"The idea behind CEO Sleepout is simple. It gives those of us fortunate enough to have a warm bed to return to an opportunity to experience a little of what sleeping rough can feel like, while raising awareness of homelessness and much-needed funds to support The Forward Trust."
To date, the Big CEO Sleepout, a UK registered charity, has raised over £5.5 Million, with participation from over 8,000 company executives. These funds have helped to support over 200 frontline charities.
Find out more about CEO Sleepout and sign up:
https://ceosleepout.co.uk/
Support Mike's fundraising:
https://ceosleepout.enthuse.com/pf/mike-trace
