Homeless charities rally for support at 'Coventry Sleepout'
With just under two weeks to go until the Coventry Sleepout, local people are being encouraged by homelessness charities Cyrenians, St Basils and YMCA Heart of England to sleep out to help out for a night in the?ruins of Coventry Cathedral to highlight the issue of homelessness.
Coventry Sleepout has been organised as part of the City of Culture 'HOME ' festival and is taking place on Saturday 9 October into the morning of the 10 October which is World Homeless Day.
The event an opportunity to challenge yourself to sleep rough for one night and gain some insight into the challenges that people face every night, and to raise funds to support the three charities work in and around Coventry.
Barrie Hodge, head of fundraising for St Basils said “For several years St Basils have held an annual Sleepout in the beautiful ruins of Coventry Cathedral and this year we 're proud to host another as part of the magnificent City of Culture celebrations.
"We 're immensely thankful to all who join us and raise money that helps us deliver the vital services we do to help prevent youth homelessness in and around Coventry. We hope local businesses, organisations and individuals will join us for what is always an exciting and fulfilling night. ”
Supporting the event are two local organisations, Musicians Against Homelessness, and Langar Aid.
Kirk Whitehouse of Musicians Against Homelessness said: “We are proud to support Coventry Sleepout this year. As a not for profit organisation, whose aim is to assist in ending Homelessness in the UK, we jumped at the chance to get involved with this event to benefit three charities who align with our work.
“On the night, we are bringing 6 amazing, local acts to the event, to keep participants entertained in the beautiful setting of Coventry Cathedral. ”
At the event, participants will be given cardboard to use to make their bed for the night, but are encouraged to bring sleeping bags and layers of clothes to stay warm. Toilet facilities are available on site and security will be in place.
Inderjit Singh of Langar Aid said: “Our mission is to serve the homeless, vulnerable and those struggling with poverty and are delighted to be supporting Coventry Sleepout which has been organised to bring attention to these issues in Coventry.
“We will be serving warm food to all participants at the event to keep them warm and nourished, ready for the challenges of the night spent sleeping rough ahead of them. ”
There is still time to register for the event by signing up online at www.tinyurl.com/CovSleepout
If you cant make it you can still show your support by making a donation online at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/covsleepout