Our amazing supporters raised almost £7,000 for hyh (thank you!), which we hope they feel was worth the lack of sleep!
Among those braving the near-freezing temperature were some of hyh’s iPro volunteers who have experienced homelessness.
“I took part in Sleepout to raise awareness of young people being homeless. I’ve been homeless myself and hyh is very close to my heart,” said Jonathon, who gave a talk about his experience of homelessness and the help he received from hyh to sleepers before they left warmth of the college to bed down for the night.
“I loved the event and I will be sleeping out next year,” he added.
The sleepers also heard from Emmaus UK’s patron Terry Waite who, as special envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, spent five years being held hostage in Beirut.
Kathryn Salmon, hyh’s Head of Fundraising was delighted with the turn out.
“Sleeping out for one night provides an insight into the challenges homeless young people face every day – the cold ground, the lack of sleep. It helps us raise awareness and essential funds, at a time when we are seeing an increasing number of young people using our services,” she said.
hyh would like to thank Oaklands College for providing the venue and also their invaluable assistance throughout the event.
Photo credit: Jeremy Banks Photography www.jeremybanksphotography.com