Trek from Chichester Cathedral to coast to prevent homelessness
The homelessness charity, Stonepillow, is organising an 8-mile sponsored community walk on the 2nd May and is encouraging as many members of the public as possible to take part.
The trek will take participants through the communities that Stonepillow serves, starting on Chichester Cathedral green and following pavements, footpaths, and country lanes to finish on the seafront at Bognor Regis Sailing Club.
The charity event comes at a vital time for the charity, which says the number of homeless people in the area has increased.
Stonepillow's day hubs in Chichester and Bognor provided vital support for 740 people who were homeless last year. That support includes providing warm meals, clothing, showers and laundry facilities as well as offering advice and help applying for a safe place to live.
The charity has had to contend with reductions in public funding which are particularly fierce in the Chichester area because it is not seen by central government as a deprived region. However, the lack of affordable housing is a key driver of homelessness, which may not always be visible, as people use their cars or vans for shelter.
Sophia Rapley is Fundraising Manager at Stonepillow: "I'm sure many of us have noticed an increase in people who are obviously homeless on our streets, and we know that even more homelessness is hidden from view.
Alongside the crisis support in the day hubs, we helped around another 300 local people with a safe place to sleep through our hostels and temporary accommodation last year."
This is the first time Stonepillow has run a trek, and the charity hopes to make it an annual event.
"We wanted a challenge that would be a fun community experience as well as a chance to raise money to help keep our hubs open," explained Sophia Rapley.
"We've got family groups and teams from local businesses signed up, and also solo walkers taking part - it's a great way to meet people and enjoy a walk with friendly company. Some people are bringing their dogs along, too.
We've tested it out a few times now, and we'll have marshals to guide everyone, plus written instructions and an app. Your supporters can gather at the sailing club to cheer you over the line, and you also get a medal to commemorate the achievement."
Walkers are being asked to raise sponsorship money from friends, family and colleagues, and the charity says that “every step you take, and every pound you raise will make a real difference for homeless people in our local community."
Registration costs £15 per adult, £10 for young people aged 10-16, and children under ten can attend for free. Families of 4 can register for £40. This includes a Stonepillow t-shirt, a medal and drinks and snacks on the day.
To find out more and register for the trek, visit https://bit.ly/StonepillowTrek