On the 28th of November, a group of people from St John's Catford slept out on the streets in order to raise money and support for homeless people, gaining £570 through 18 donations to support their cause.
The event was done to support The Robes Project, a Christian charity, whose purpose is to 'give the homeless winter night shelter to translate christianity into action'. To visit the Robes Project, website, click here. Beginning in 2007, The Robes Projectruns a temporary night shelter from November to April each year, hosting 15 to 20 guests a night. The chairty supports approximately 50 people annually, offering accomodation, breakfast and dinner, community and advice to its guests. By offering this for up to a month, they hope to allow their guests the encouragement and help they need to address problems such as permanent housing, jobs, finances, and health.
To fund their organisation, they run fundraising events each year, such as their Sleepout at Southwark Cathedral, London Bridge, which has raised over £200,000 over the past 3 years.
Friday night saw a smaller version of this, with a group of people from St John's, Catford, taking to the streets in warm coats and sleeping bags to experience what life is like for those without homes, and without the aid of charities like The Robes Project. The group mainly consisted of young people, with only a few adults, showing the interest and concern these young people have for their local community.
The event was a huge success, with the £500 target not only being met, but exceeded by £70, and donations are still coming in. If you'd like to contribute to this worthwhile cause, you can do so here.
Ema Banerjee, Newstead Wood School
