The weather recently has been mild but very wet. As the sleepout approaches, I am not sure which is worse, cold, or wet. That of course assumes that we get to choose one or the other, and do not have to endure both!
The sleepout this year is on 20th January, Lidgett has kindly agreed to host us once more. As previously, we encourage you to run your own campsite and can offer support to help you do this. Or, as many homeless people sofa surf, we would love it if you boycotted your bed if this feels more doable.
This is the fifth year of the sleepout. In that time, we have raised over £20,000, which has gone to local charities, Carecent, Inspire North and SASH. This year we are once more supporting Carecent and InspireNorth.
As many of you know Carecent is a breakfast centre for all homeless, unemployed or otherwise socially excluded members of our community. It operates from Central Methodist church on St Saviourgate in the centre of York. They provide food, clothing and fellowship in a friendly and non-judgemental environment. The volunteer staff listen, offer support and advice, collaborating with other agencies, when appropriate, to move people forward to an improved lifestyle. For more information please visit https://www.carecent.org.uk
Inspire North (charity number 1180693) is the parent organisation of Community Links and Foundation, two charities leading the way in mental health and housing support across the north of England. Their goal is to create a world where everyone matters, building brighter futures for people within the health and social care sector through their family of organisations. For more information please visit www.inspirenorth.co.uk
If you are going to join us in any capacity, please sign up at https://bit.ly/3vuySS0 so we can cheer you on.
If you can support us by giving please go to https://bit.ly/3S0wkEf
If you need more information contact Victoria victoria@methodistyouth.org.uk or Keira Snaith admin@carecent.org.uk