Around 80 fundraisers took part in the ninth annual Sleep Out event by bedding down outside Eden’s Biomes using only sheets of cardboard and their own sleeping bags for warmth and comfort.
The money raised goes directly to homelessness charities the Amber Foundation and St Petrocs at a crucial time when their services are most in demand.
The two charities have benefited from a grand total of around £90,000 raised by Eden Sleep Out fundraisers over the last nine years.
Organisers are already looking ahead to next year’s milestone tenth event, set to take place on November 16 (2023).
Dan James, Eden’s Development Director, said: “Once again, hats off to everyone who participated in this year’s Eden Sleep Out. The amount of money raised is absolutely brilliant and will help make a real difference to people experiencing homelessness right now.
“Next year will be our tenth event and we look forward to seeing as many people as possible signing up and taking part in what we are sure will be another emotive and inspiring night.”
Rebecca Fry, Amber’s Fundraising Manager, said: “The freezing temperatures of the last few weeks remind us all how incredibly important it is to make sure everyone is housed and supported. We are continuing to see rising numbers of young people needing our help at Amber and the funds raised will help us give them a warm, dry Christmas and full support so they never have to face homelessness again.
“We are so grateful to the team at Eden and everyone who came out and took part in the Sleep Out for their support. It really makes a huge difference.”
Lois Wild, St Petrocs’ Associate Director of Fundraising and Communications, said: “It doesn’t get much colder here in Cornwall than it has been recently, so being able to provide emergency shelter to people facing a night outside at this time is vital. These funds have helped enable us to provide our winter services which we are operating right now.
“We wish to say a huge thank you to the Eden Project and all the dedicated supporters of Sleep Out who raised the funds to help us this year.”
The Amber Foundation runs four supported housing centres for young people (aged 16-30) affected by homelessness, unemployment and mental ill health. Their South West centre, Ashley Court near Crediton in Devon, provides a temporary but safe and supportive home for young people from across the region.
All the young people who come to Amber receive fully tailored support and follow a development programme to help them move on to a job, a place in education or training and most importantly a safe, secure home of their own. https://amberweb.org/
St Petrocs are working to end homelessness in Cornwall because every person has a right to a safe and secure home. St Petrocs is a charity providing a range of services with the aim of ending homelessness for good.
These include advice, support and medical services at resource centres and around the county with an outreach team, supported accommodation and a skills, training and employment programme. www.stpetrocs.org.uk
Details on how to take part in the tenth Eden Sleep Out will be announced in due course.
