Now in its sixth year the homeless charity is again hosting the successful awareness and fundraising event because no one should have to spend a night out on the streets in Liverpool.
Open every day of the year, The Whitechapel Centre aims to be there for those people facing homelessness to help them resolve their situation as quickly as possible. This includes daily services for rough sleepers, expert housing and benefit advice and health and wellbeing support. The charity also provides learning and education activities so that people can gain valuable life skills to help them maintain a home, and their independence, such as budgeting, managing their health, smarter food shopping and cooking.
The Always Room Inside phone line (0300 123 2041) is managed by The Whitechapel Centre who have a dedicated outreach team to respond to calls about people who may be sleeping rough in the city. Fundraising for The Whitechapel Centre helps the charity to continue to provide their vital services that can prevent people from facing a life on the streets. Over the last 5 years more than a thousand people have taken part in the Liverpool Sleepout, sleeping outside and raising vital funds to end homelessness in the city. This year’s event is on Friday 11th October at St James in the City Church on Upper Parliament Street. On the night people will be sleeping outside in a safe area, with stewards and access to toilets and refreshments. As well as offering the opportunity to raise vital funds for the charity’s work, there is an important message behind it too, giving those involved some insight into the vulnerability someone may face whilst sleeping on the streets.
Ruth McCaughley, Fundraising Manager for The Whitechapel Centre said: ‘The Liverpool Sleepout should be on everyone’s bucket list for things to do in Liverpool. It’s a unique experience and an opportunity to really make a difference to ending homelessness in Liverpool. In the last few years we have been overwhelmed by the support from individuals, businesses and community groups because they also believe that homelessness should not be happening in today’s world. This year is set to be just as successful with people already signing-up to brace an Autumn night outside. Homelessness is often one of many issues that our clients face, there are other complex problems that we help people with too. Relationship breakdown, poor mental health, bereavement, job loss, physical health problems, debt and loss of income are all catalysts for homelessness.”
Last year The Whitechapel Centre served over 25,000 breakfasts to people staying in Labre House or sleeping rough. The charity has seen an increasing number of people needing help – last year they supported over 4,300 people and re-housed 2,061 people. Could you sleep outside all night with just a sleeping bag and cardboard shelter to protect you and raise money to help end homelessness? Take part and your support really can change lives. Visit www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk/sleepout to sign-up to secure your place. Participants must be age 18 or over and sign up in advance. The registration fee is £10 per person and all participants are asked to raise sponsorship for The Whitechapel Centre. You can register as an individual or team and you will be supported with information and resources to help you reach your fundraising targets.