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AS THE nights lengthen and the temperatures drop, an Exeter charity is challenging local people to sleep rough for a night to draw attention to the escalating problem of youth homelessness in Devon.
Nightstop Devon is inviting hardy individuals, or groups of friends or colleagues, to spend a night in a secure location in central Exeter, with nothing more than a cardboard box and a sleeping bag to protect them from the elements, in an initiative aimed at raising both awareness and, through sponsorship, much needed funds for the ever expanding project.
The 'Sleep Out' event will take place on Friday, October 1, from 7pm until 7am, outdoors, at the UFC Southernhay Church, Dix’s Field, Exeter. Food, courtesy of the Ivy Project, and hot drinks will be available throughout the night. A 'Sleep In' alternative will be available for supporters who wish to participate but not to brave outdoor temperatures.
Nightstop Devon, one of 50 Nightstop projects throughout the UK, arranges emergency accommodation for homeless 16- to 25-year-olds in the homes of trained volunteers, across Exeter, Teignbridge, East Devon, Mid Devon and South Hams.
"I am really excited about the event, it aims to be a great community project to raise awareness, and the interest has been amazing, we even have an 83 year old taking part," said project manager Kt Banwell.
"The funds will go towards the expansion of Nightstop Devon into more rural areas of Devon, but also to allowing us to recruit and train new hosts for our Crashpad service, which offers homeless young people longer, two-week placements."
Pre-registration is essential for the event, so that organisers can conduct a risk assessment and know how many people to anticipate. Numbers will be limited, and so participation will be strictly on a first come, first served basis. Under-16s must be accompanied by an appropriate adult and present a signed parental consent form.
To pre-register and receive a full resource pack and sponsorship forms, e-mail katie.banwell@communityha.
For further details, visit the website at www.communityha.org.uk/nig
