An investigation into the motivations to attend the charity event Sleep in the Park

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to investigate the motivations to attend the charity event Sleep in the Park. The objectives include researching the extent of homelessness in Scotland, understanding the relationship between demographics and attendance and finally to explore attendees attitudes to the social issue of homelessness in Scotland. Homelessness in Scotland has been a social issue for many years and although the number of homeless in Scotland has dropped significantly since its peek in 2005 the number of applicants has risen again in 2018 for the first time in nine years (Scottish Government, Homelessness in Scotland 2017-18). The importance of charities in this day and age is major. Events such as Social Bites Sleep in the Park raise a significant amount of additional funds, educate the public and assist in diminishing stigma as well as applying political pressure to create change in legislations and policies. All of which help create a social change in Scotland. A qualitative research approach has been considered most appropriate for this study as opinions, feeling and emotions will be required to gather the necessary data. Participants were selected through a convenience sample selection, as the population within the event were considered more likely to hold the information required for this study. Semi structured interviews were conducted during the event with 15 participants. Once the primary research was completed, the interviews were transcribed and a thematic data analysis approach was used. This highlighted six main themes for attended the charity event.