Dear friends,

On Friday 8th October (last month), my friend Helen Crocker and I  slept 'a bit rough' in Bristol's city centre whilst taking part in Sleep Out Bristol 2021.  Whilst doing so, not only were we raising money for local charity One25, but I also celebrated the security, joy and freedom that my forthcoming Civil Partnership to Guy brings, and commemorated the life of my extraordinary brother Richard who lived on Bristol's streets and in its parks for many years whilst suffering blindness and schizophrenia.  Rich was a true child of the universe.

Guy and I have supported One25 since its night walk of 2008.  Its HQ is just down the hill from where we live.  I pass its door often, knowing that inside there are women - some of the most marginalised and stigmatised in the city - being offered friendship, love and professional support as they journey from crisis and trauma towards independence in the community. Three in every four women One25 work with experience homelessness. We are raising money to end this.

Here's an idea of what your donation could achieve:   

• £35 can stock the outreach van for a week, giving women comfort and safety on a long night.                                        
  
• £10 can pay for the One25 freephone helpline for a week.         
• £5 can give a nourishing home-cooked meal at Drop-In, as well as a takeaway food parcel.

Some of you know that I have suffered dark times and that my life has been dogged by a deep-seated fear of homelessness.  I am awed by the courage and strength of the women that find shelter at One25, and am so very grateful for the peace of mind the charity’s work brings me - knowing they are there, just down the hill, providing a safe haven for women in need without judgement or expectation.  

You may also know how rubbish I am at asking favours, but I am asking one now. Please pass the link for this page onto anyone you think might be interested in the work of One25, and please donate whatever you can afford to this fantastic charity. That's the best Civil Partnership present I could wish for.

A full report of our night's 'sleep' will follow shortly.

Debsx