Lived Experience Ambassadors

CEO Sleepout’s lived experience ambassadors are our very own super-humans: people who have lived through, and overcome homelessness.

They may have lived rough on the streets, in cars or in accommodation that is unfit for human habitation. Our incredible lived experience ambassadors may have sofa-surfed, or bounced from place to place until they had the opportunity to get back on their feet. They may even have spent years sleeping rough on on city streets. They courageously tell their stories at CEO Sleepout events. By sharing their vulnerability and strength, they each bring a new perspective to the human cost of homelessness, unlocking a deeper understanding and empathy among our audience. It takes great courage for somebody to tell their story given the stigma and shame attached to homelessness. We treasure each and every person who has stepped up and shared, with the goal of greater understanding.

Paul Haigh

Paul Haigh works at leading Armed Forces charity, Walking With The Wounded, as a Veteran Support Liaison Officer. He's spoken about his life at CEO Sleepout Events in Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Sunderland and Alnwick.

Danielle Dixon

I'm great believer that early intervention support can make a lasting impact and change someone's life for the better. I'm living proof!

Enton Barefoot

Enton is the author of a book called "Laid Bare" which details his journey through addiction, homelessness and recovery. As our lived Experience Ambassador for Leicester, Enton has spoken at two CEO Sleepout events.

Julie Nerney

Julie shows that it's possible to thrive after homelessness. She is an "accidental" serial entrepreneur who focuses on authentic, human and purposeful leadership. Julie has taken no less than 14 businesses from start-up to sold, and is a sought-after business transformation expert. Julie shared her story as CEO Sleepout London's Keynote Speaker in 2023.

Jenna Bowyer

Jenna wasn't always the outgoing, happy person she is today. Following depression and addiction, Jenna found herself sleeping rough, followed by two vulnerable years as a prostitute/escort, before being given a second chance at life. Jenna has generously shared her story with us at CEO SLEEPOUT events in Manchester, Alnwick and Leicester.

Kerri Douglas

Kerri Douglas’s journey is not just one of advocacy but also of personal transformation. Through her relentless pursuit of education and self-improvement, she has managed to overcome many of the challenges that once seemed insurmountable, becoming a sought-after author, speaker and lived experience consultant. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit’s capacity for change. Kerri is CEO Sleepout's premier Lived Experience Ambassador.