The Burges Salmon Marketing Team is stepping up for the Bristol Cares Challenge 2026 - a citywide effort uniting people to raise awareness and funds for Caring in Bristol. This year’s challenge centres on a powerful symbol: walking 20,000 steps to represent the 20,000+ individuals currently waiting for social housing in Bristol.

This number reflects just how deep the housing crisis runs in our city. But the reality of homelessness is even broader than we often imagine. While rough sleeping is the visible face of homelessness, most homeless people are not sleeping on the streets. Many are in temporary accommodation, hostels, B&Bs or experiencing “hidden homelessness” — sofa surfing, staying in cars or sheds, or moving frequently between unstable places to get by. National research shows that unseen homelessness affects hundreds of thousands of households each year across the UK.

Caring in Bristol is working to change this picture. Their projects provide crisis and emergency youth accommodation, housing advice and prevention services, support with food, stability, and long-term planning, and community‑led pathways to secure housing. Last year alone, they delivered 365 nights of emergency youth accommodation, supported 267 people with good food and housing information, and mobilised 3,739 volunteer hours over Christmas to help people facing homelessness and housing insecurity in Bristol.

By supporting our team, you’re contributing directly to the work that helps people move from crisis to stability - and ultimately, to safe, secure housing.

Thank you for helping us walk 20,000 steps toward a fairer, more caring Bristol.

Alex H