This year marked the 10th mass annual Sleep Out at the Eden Project, which has seen hundreds of participants over the years coming together to sleep beneath the canopy of the Link Building with nothing more than sheets of cardboard and sleeping bags to keep them warm.
A decade of fundraising has seen over £100,000 raised for the essential services provided by these charities, which support people with safe, temporary accommodation, medical resources, skills and training.
The event came at a time when the two charities have seen a significant increase in people struggling to afford basic essentials, with demand for their services at an all-time high. According to research from Shelter, around 271,000 people were recorded as homeless in England at the beginning of this year, 123,000 of whom were children[1].
The Amber Foundation has reported a 30% increase in referrals to its Devon centre this summer alone.
Dan James, Eden’s development director, said: “The last ten years of hosting, and taking part in, the Sleep Out at Eden, I’ve had the honour to meet lots of former clients of St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation.
“What is incredibly humbling is that the vast majority were living normal lives before their personal circumstances changed – job loss, relationship breakdown, unforeseen changes to their support network – it could happen to any one of us. Empathy and compassion are the greatest tools we as a society have to help change perceptions and support those who find themselves in a vulnerable position.”
St Petrocs works tirelessly to end homelessness by providing essential services such as advice, accommodation, medical resources, and skills training. The team’s dedicated efforts address the growing crisis, offering hope and support to those in need.
Lois Wild, director of engagement and communications at St Petrocs, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to every supporter who braved the cold at the 10th Sleep Out. Their commitment fuels our mission to end homelessness, providing crucial support, hope, and a pathway to stability.”
The Amber Foundation is a transformative charity empowering young people by offering fully supported housing and a host of new opportunities and experiences. With a focus on skill development and personal growth, Amber fosters independence and resilience while supporting young people to move on to a better and brighter future.
Rebecca Fry, the Amber Foundation’s fundraising manager, said: “The 10th Sleep Out at Eden is a milestone of community commitment to address homelessness. Coming together to show support, particularly at this time of year, goes such a long way to help us make a difference in people’s lives.”
Before hunkering down for a night out in the open, participants joined Eden’s chefs to make their own pizza and curry before enjoying an uplifting performance by St Austell’s 40-strong NoteAbility Community Choir.
More live music filled the night sky with prominent local musicians Suzie Mac and Sam Richardson, both of whom have graced the stages of Glastonbury and are supporters of the event.
Author of The Salt Path and long-time supporter of the event, Raynor Winn, gave an inspiring talk, while former clients of St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation shared their own, moving, personal experiences.
Take-home keepsakes were created by community arts organisation, StreetDraw24, before the evening closed with a wind-down yoga session led by yoga teacher and Eden’s Head of Schools, Sam Kendall.
To find out more about the Amber Foundation, visit amberweb.org. To find out more about St Petrocs, visit www.stpetrocs.org.uk.
