Posted on Monday 10th September, 2018
Vital funds for homelessness charities will be raised at a
sponsored Sleep Out at the Eden Project this November.
Local charities St Petroc’s Society and the Amber Foundation are
urging people to sign up for the event to raise cash and awareness for those
regularly spending the night without a roof over their heads.
Participants will endure a cold
wintry night in front of the Biomes with just a sleeping bag and cardboard mat
for the Sleep Out on Thursday, November 15. There will be overhead cover in
case it rains.
The event is not solely about endurance. Before bedding down for
the night participants will be treated to live music, short films and talks as well as cookery workshops, hot food and drinks and campfire tales.
This year will see the fifth Sleep Out at the Eden Project. Last
year around 100 fundraisers took part.
Dave Brown, Communications Manager for St Petroc’s, said: “We are
so pleased to be part of this fantastic project again this year. The Eden Sleep
Out provides us with a chance to work with people in Cornwall who actively want
to help us in our campaign – Let’s End Street Homelessness in Cornwall.
“Participants brave the cold and have an uncomfortable, sleepless
November night. They then have to face the next day as usual, with an
understanding of what our clients have been through.
“Last year we were the only area in England to reduce the numbers
of rough sleepers. The funds raised through this event helps us to do that.
Shortly after the event we will be heading into our Cold Weather Provision, a
pop-up winter night shelter. Last year we provided shelter for 91 people who
had no other option, across 71 nights.”
Rebecca Fry, South West Fundraising Manager for the Amber
Foundation, said: “Amber supports young people who find themselves with no roof
over their heads with more than just a temporary home. Our programme provides
all the support and opportunities they need to turn their lives around.
“The Eden Sleep Out is such a unique event in a stunning location.
We are thrilled to be part of it in the event’s fifth year. The event is very
important to us as it not only raises money to support Amber’s work with some
of the most vulnerable young people in the region, it really helps raise
awareness of the wider issues surrounding youth homelessness.”
Jess Rawlings, Project Manager of the Sleep Out at Eden, said:
“We’re asking for as many people as possible to step outside of their comfort
zone for just one night and get an insight into some of the challenges faced by
people who are homeless.
“Anyone can take part – whether you’re an individual, a group of
friends, colleagues or family members. It’s so wonderful to be able to produce
an event that enables St Petroc’s Society and Amber Foundation to make a direct
difference to those who need it in Devon and Cornwall. This is all down to the
continued engagement, support and generosity of everyone who takes part in the
Sleep Out.”
Sleep Out is part
of a nationwide event organised by the End Youth Homelessness campaign (EYH), a
national partnership of grassroots charities and companies.
Sleep Out is taking place at the Eden Project on Thursday,
November 15, from 6pm. Interested participants are urged to sign up soon as
places are limited.
To sign up and take part in the event, go here: https://www.edenproject.com/visit/whats-on/eden-sleep-out
