Cloister sleepout for Norwich homeless charity
On January 26, fundraisers will be swapping their mattresses for a stone cold floor in Norwich Cathedral’s Cloister as part of the St Martins Sleep Out event.
The sleep out, named ‘A Night in the Cloister’, is challenging people aged 18 and over to spend the night in one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. From 7.30pm on Friday January 26 until 6:30am on Saturday January 27, they will be sleeping under the Cathedral cloister, helping to raise funds for Norwich-based homelessness charity St Martins.
St Martins work to help maximise independent living and prevent homelessness in the Norwich community by offering a hand up to the most vulnerable. They provide vital support to those experiencing homelessness with street outreach, emergency and long-term accommodation, support, and development opportunities to improve the lives of people in need.
The event is not intended to replicate being homeless, but to raise awareness of the challenges people sleeping rough face. It will be cold and uncomfortable, much like every night is for people sleeping rough.
Dr Jan Sheldon, St Martins CEO said, “Sleeping rough is a sign of real desperation; a clear indicator that something has gone seriously wrong in a person’s life. People doing this repeatedly suffer both physically and mentally. The sleepout we are organising nowhere near replicates the danger and loneliness of sleeping on the streets – it provides perhaps a small glimpse into the physical discomfort of the lack of a warm bed. We’d like to encourage people to join this event – and if you are unable to sleep out, consider sponsoring those of us who will be taking part. Fundraising helps us to provide more outreach services to those sleeping on the streets, this support saves lives.”
The Dean of Norwich, the Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, said: “Norwich Cathedral is pleased to continue its involvement with the important work St Martins does. The Sleep Out not only focuses attention on those experiencing homelessness, but the money raised will help St Martins in making a real difference in many people’s lives.”’
People who would like to take part in the ‘A Night in the Cloister’ sleep out event for St Martins can visit https://stmartinshousing.org.uk/help-us/fundraising/sleep-out-for-st-martins where they can find full information.
Those that would like would like to make a donation, should visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/stmartinssleepout24 or email the St Martins team for more information on fundraising@stmartinshousing.org.uk