Zen Sleep Out: Supporting Andy’s Man Club

At Zen, we believe in making connections and creating a positive impact, both within our business and in our community. That’s why we recently hosted a sleep out to raise awareness and funds for Andy’s Man Club, our nominated charity this year. Andy’s Man Club provides vital peer-to-peer mental health support services for men across the UK.

We caught up with Suzie Lewis, Zen’s Partner Marketing Lead and a key member of Zen in the Community, to hear about her experience during the sleep out and why supporting mental health initiatives aligns closely with Zen’s values.

Suzie, can you tell us a bit about the Zen sleep out event?

Sure! 16 of us braved the cold to gather outside Zen’s HQ for a night in the elements, all to support Andy’s Man Club. We even had a visit from Luke, a representative of Andy’s Man Club, who talked to us about the importance of their work. And while it was freezing, at least it stayed dry for most of the night, which after a particularly snowy day was far from guaranteed.

What was it like to sleep outside for the night?

It was definitely a challenge! Sleeping on the ground, even with a sleeping bag, isn’t exactly luxurious, and it was difficult to get a good night’s rest. There were plenty of laughs, a few snores, lots of layers worn, and even a brief Cards Against Humanity session… let’s just say it was an experience I won’t soon forget.

While the sleep out officially ran from 8pm to 6am, I don’t think anyone needed much encouragement to get moving at 6am sharp. The prospect of a warm home and a proper bed was definitely motivating!

Why is supporting Andy’s Man Club important to you and to Zen?

Mental health is something that affects us all – either directly or through our loved ones. At Zen, we’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace, and that focus extends to our community. Andy’s Man Club does great work breaking down the stigma around men’s mental health, providing a safe space for men to talk, and offering practical help when it’s needed.

What would you say to someone who’s considering donating to Andy’s Man Club?

Every donation, big or small, makes a real difference. Your contribution could be the lifeline someone needs to access the support they deserve. If you can’t spare a donation, sharing Andy’s Man Club’s message with others helps spread awareness about this crucial work.

It sounds like the event was a success! How much has been raised so far?

We’re thrilled to have raised more than £2500 and counting! It’s amazing to see how our staff and the wider community have rallied to support such a worthy cause.

I’m incredibly proud of Zen for organising this event, and I encourage everyone to support Andy’s Man Club’s vital work in any way they can.

What’s next?

We’ve got plenty more events lined up throughout the year to raise even more funds for Andy’s Man Club, but you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for upcoming announcements! I can’t wait for the next one.

A note from Zen

We’re incredibly grateful for the dedication of Suzie and everyone who participated in the sleep out. Mental health challenges can have a profound impact, and sadly there’s a strong link between these challenges and homelessness. Did you know that 45% of people experiencing homelessness have been diagnosed with a mental health issue? That’s one of the reasons why we’re passionate about supporting Andy’s Man Club in fighting the stigma and providing the resources people need.

If you’d like to join us, consider making a donation. Even the smallest contribution can make a huge difference to someone in need.