At C8 Consulting, we have woven purpose into our professional journey for over two decades by encouraging the team to step into their passions and support causes that matter. One cause that is particularly close to our hearts is Action for Children (AfC).
This year, we are proud to once again partner with AfC to help make a tangible difference in young people’s lives by supporting its fundraising activities. Following the success of our Managing Director, Paula Elliott, who ran a half-marathon in March 2025 and raised an incredible £1,442, we’re excited to embark on our next fundraising venture.
Continuing Our Momentum
The team visited West Hyde in July, one of AfC’s short-stay residential centres for young people with additional needs, to learn more about its services. Offering a safe, specially equipped environment for the young people it supports, West Hyde provides exceptional care and confidence-building services, along with vital respite for their families. It was inspiring and humbling to witness firsthand the impact AfC has on the lives of those it serves, and to see the dedication of the West Hyde team as they consistently go above and beyond to meet each young person’s individual needs and wishes.
To continue our fundraising momentum for this fantastic cause and array of services, we are taking part in Boycott Your Bed. A flagship corporate fundraising event, Boycott Your Bed invites teams to spend the night understanding a young homeless person’s experience. Teams gather to forgo their bed and sleep on the street, swapping comfort for exposure to the elements. This October, the C8 Consulting team will be taking part in the sleepout in London and volunteering to help set up beforehand.
Our History with Action for Children
Originally known as Byte Night, the event began with a focus on engaging the technology sector. Over time, it has opened the door for other industries to get involved as it transitioned into Boycott Your Bed. Now one of AfC’s most impactful corporate charity events, Boycott Your Bed has entered its 28th year and raised an incredible £14.3 million alongside vital awareness for young people living in poverty or facing homelessness.
Throughout C8’s 20-year history, we’ve proudly supported AfC, with Paula and many team members taking part in countless sleepouts and other fundraising activities. The team even took part during Covid, which meant finding somewhere different to sleep in your own home or garden. Our Senior PR Director Jim Pople recalls forgoing his bed for an empty bathtub. Every year, those who take part come away with a shared sense of camaraderie and purpose, knowing they’ve contributed to a cause that truly makes a difference.
Why It’s Important
According to Shelter, the number of people experiencing homelessness in the UK is rocketing. Homelessness as a term also includes ‘hidden homeless’, for people living in temporary accommodation, and with informal arrangements such as sofa surfing, sleeping on friends’ floors, or staying with strangers. In the UK, it’s estimated that almost 136,000 young people aged 16-24 were homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2023 – however, this could be much higher. Ensuring children have a safe space to play, sleep, build healthy relationships, learn and grow is vital to help them build a solid foundation for the rest of their lives.
Last year AfC helped more than 765,905 children, young people and families across the UK. This year, C8 Consulting is fundraising to support AfC in its efforts to reach even further.
How You Can Help
We invite you to support our journey and sponsor our sleep-out on the 3rd of October. Every donation helps AfC provide safe spaces, emotional support, and brighter futures.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity.