Sleep Out charity event gives taste of homelessness

The fundraising night aims to give a taste of what it might be like to be street homeless for just one night.

In the last year, the charity has supported more than 1,400 people, with help ranging from advice over the phone, a breakfast and a shower at the day centre, right through to long-term help in accommodation with one-to-one intervention from project staff.

People from the area from Littlehampton to Shoreham are needing support with finding accommodation, food and warmth and often then support with finding employment, a meaningful use of time as well as help accessing the right services to manage addiction and support their physical and mental health.

Event organisers will talk to participants about what homelessness really means, as many people struggle to sleep during the night because of the sounds of sirens, the birds, or dogs barking. They said the noises and the feelings of loneliness during the night are things many people say they had not considered before.

The Worthing event takes place in the playground at Broadwater CE Primary School on Saturday, January 30. There will be hot food available from 7.30pm, while people set up their shelters, and there are toilet facilities available throughout the night.

There will also be a Sleep Out at River Beach Primary School in Littlehampton on Saturday, February 27, to support services in that area.

Rachel Blair, community fundraiser, said: “Previous participants have commented that the night has been a really positive experience for them to know how cold and wet it can be, even with layers of bedding and plastic sheeting, and this is without the fear of being in a public space and the need to protect their belongings.”

Visit www.wchp.org.uk for more information.

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