AROUND 100 people endured a night on the streets to raise money for the fourth annual St Basil’s Solihull SleepOut.
Dedicated fundraisers enjoyed live music and home-cooked Indian food to keep spirits high for a night in the cold on Friday, April 6.
St Basil’s is a Birmingham based homeless charity and its SleepOut aims to raise awareness of the plight of those sleeping rough.
Those who took part slept overnight in cardboard boxes in the car park for the Renewal Church on Lode Lane.
The event saw a performance from local band ‘Just Nuisance’ who kept fundraisers entertained.
Langar Aid provided Indian food and there was also the Jaffabox cardboard competition for the most creative cardboard dwelling.
Although the SleepOut took place at a car park and participants did have some protection from the elements, it is still a cold, uncomfortable surface,
The charity said the event is designed to allow people to think about those who have no choice but to sleep rough – a fate it wants to prevent young people in Solihull suffering.
The fundraiser provides money for the St Basils Youth Hub in partnership with Solihull council.
Launched in April, the Youth Hub provides housing advice and specialist home options support to single young people aged between 16 and 24 threatened with homelessness.
It enables the development of early intervention partnerships across community locations.
It also funds specialist mental health support for young people, professionals and social workers plus parents and carers.
The pilot scheme will operate for an initial term of two years to measure the success of the approach.
It is also aiming to accurately measure demand and capture the range of difficulties young people experience.
It aspires to identify gaps in local services that need to be addressed.
The St Basil’s head of fundraising and communications, Barrie Hodge, said: “We are so grateful to all the fabulous fundraisers who took part in the SleepOut. The event was originally planned to take place in March but had to be cancelled due to the heavy snow and dangerous icy conditions. For so many supporters to join us at short notice is amazing.
“All the funds raised will go towards our vital work in the community. On behalf of all the young people we support in Solihull, thank you so much.”
For more information about future SleepOuts visit: www.stbasils.org.uk/help-us/sleepouts/
