March 16th is World Sleep Day. So it’s time to get comfortable, make yourself a nice cup of tea, get some snacks, maybe put on your favourite TV show, cuddle up in bed… Sounds like a perfect night in, doesn’t it?

But how would you feel if you didn’t have a bed? Or a place to call home? Would you feel safe? Would you feel well rested and healthy? 

In the London Area, more than 8,000 people slept outside on the streets in the past year. 

Sleeping rough is a frightening and isolating experience, excluding people from the rest of the society in the worst way. 

And the streets are a dangerous place to be: Those who can’t seek shelter during the night are vulnerable. Rough Sleepers are 13 times more likely to be a victim of a violent crime than the general public. Additionally, a homeless person dies at the age of 47 on an average - which is almost half the age of an average UK citizen.

Without the luxury of a proper home and all the benefits that come with it, it is not easy to stay healthy - neither physically nor mentally. 

Spires is working against all of those issues and consequences that are the result of being homeless or insecurely housed. We offer a wide range of help and developmental services through our day centre in Streatham and Streetlink outreach sessions throughout South London. Our aim is to enable our service users to move away from the chaos of the streets and towards a brighter and more stable future. 

So today, on World Sleep Day, please consider getting involved for those in a state of desperate need. A good and safe night of sleep should be a reachable dream for anyone living in London. 

Contribute to helping us with either a donation, spreading the word to raise awareness of the problems we are facing on the streets of London every day and every night or even signing up as a Spires Centre Volunteer. We appreciate any kind of your support very much!