West Country: record sleepout raises £25,000 for homeless charity

Freezing night on hard concrete

A record 180 people braved chilly weather at eight venues around the south west on Saturday, in a bid to highlight the plight of the homeless and raise much-needed funds for Alabaré Christian Care and Support.

The main focus of the sleep out was at Salisbury Cathedral where 105 people took part including MP John Glen and youngsters from local schools. The Bishop of Salisbury The Right Rev Nicholas Holtam did a blessing and media interviews. St Thomas’ Church in the centre of Salisbury was also used.

For the first time the sleep out was held in Trowbridge with 15 sleepers in the grounds of the United Church, thanks to the local Lions club. King Arthur’s Hall in Andover was a venue and in Bristol we shared the event organised by Bristol Christian Action Network Homelessness Forum. Other venues were St Bartholomew’s in Sutton Waldron, Dorset and in the porch of All Saints at Westbury. The Mayor of Warminster Cllr Pip Ridout organised a sleep out in an unheated local church as part of her charity programme.

Community fund raiser Tony Richmond who organised the event said: “The night was a great success thanks to the amazing efforts of so many people and we are thankful to all who took part and supported us in so many ways."

Catherine, who slept the night at Weymouth’s Nothe Fort said: “It makes you realise how lucky you are. We do this just one night per year and we’re not worried about our stuff being stolen and we know we’re safe. It’s easy to look down our noses at the homeless and feel embarrassed about talking to them but this puts it in perspective.”

Alabaré Christian Care and Support is an ecumenical charity that works with homeless and vulnerable people. They run more than 40 projects across Wiltshire, Hampshire, Plymouth, Bournemouth, Devon, Dorset, Bristol and North Somerset providing a range of services including drop-in centres, supported accommodation and advice and training. Alabaré works with the homeless, those at risk of becoming homeless, ex-offenders, ex-Service personnel, people with drug and alcohol issues, young people, vulnerable women, individuals with learning disabilities and people with mental health conditions. Their vision is a society where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a fulfilling life.

For more information see: www.alabare.co.uk