AS FUND-RAISING for this year’s Big Worcester Sleep Out draws to a close, the Bishop of Worcester has reflected on his experience of a night sleeping rough.
The Rt Rev Dr John Inge was among those to take part in the annual Sixways event which has again raised in excess of £12,000 for three good causes.
Bishop John spent the night at Sixways Stadium to help raise awareness of homelessness and the local charities that seek to help those without a home.
The sleepout aims to raise cash to be split locally between St Paul’s Hostel, Warriors Community Foundation and Maggs Day Centre as well as to raise awareness of the complex issues surrounding homelessness within the county, and the services offered by the charities.
It is hoped the event changes perceptions, as well changing lives and helps to create empathy through education rather than recreating the experience of being homeless.
Bishop John said: “Joining The Big Sleep Out was an opportunity to remind myself of the privations suffered by the homeless.
“It enables me to focus my prayers and, at the same time, raise funds for three charities who do so much for some of the most vulnerable in our community.”
Donations closed on Monday (November 14) as the curtain fell on another successful fund-raising with charity chiefs thanking all those who took part.
“A huge thank you to everyone who attended our fourth annual sleep out, and every single individual who has donated so far,” said Carol Hart, CEO of the Worcester Warriors Foundation.
“The foundation will use funds raised to support the running costs of our inclusion programme which support those who are in desperate need and those at risk.”
Mel Kirk, CEO of Maggs Day Centre, said: “We are incredibly grateful to the local community for their continued support of the sleep out.
“The money raised will be used at Maggs as a contribution to running our core services. These include our two day centres, countrywide outreach and our accommodation project.”
St Paul’s Hostel CEO Jonathan Sutton said: “Thank you to everyone who attended and fund-raised with us this year – the funds will be used to encourage residents of the hostel to engage in activities to improve their health and well-being for example day trips to the countryside walking and leisure activities.”
Visit worcestersleepout.co.uk for more.
