Sleep outside to highlight homelessness

By Harriet Ernstsons 24/08 Updated: 24/08 09:57

Buy photos » Nightstop’s policy monitoring officer Rebekah Boot and deputy manager Susan Pemberton. 3412008MMR

MEMBERS of a Redditch charity will be taking to the streets to highlight the problem of homelessness.

Redditch Nightstop, which helps young people who are either homeless or at risk of become homeless, is holding its annual Sleepout on Friday, September 21.

The team also hopes individuals and businesses from across the town will join in, either by sleeping outside for the night or by organising events such as a wear orange or dress down day.

Volunteer co-ordinator Sharon McCall said: “We want as many businesses, organisations and groups involved as possible to try and make it a whole community event.

“It is about talking to businesses, raising the awareness and the profile of Nightstop. In raising awareness of homelessness it also helps us to raise much-needed funds.

“Some of the money raised will go towards our winter shelter that runs over Christmas.

“We want to let people know it isn’t just something that happens in much bigger town and cities. It does happen in Redditch. It is not on such a large scale but there is a homelessness problem in Redditch.

“In the long term we want to reduce the risk of people becoming homeless and also ensure people know about organisations such as Nightstop.”

Anyone who wants to hold a charity event or register for the Sleepout should e-mail smccall@redditchnightstop.co.uk or call 01527 66036.