On Saturday 17th November my students Ollie, Krish, Nicky, James, Daniil, Felix, Oscar, Dan and I will be undertaking a sponsored sleep-out, aiming to raise funds to support the Slough Winter Homeless Shelter. As our local community has high rates of homelessness, with a disproportionate number of young people affected, we are hoping the sleep-out raises awareness of homelessness as well as raising crucial funds.

The night shelter does not only provide a roof over head of the homeless but it helps them with various medical matters and helps the clients with documents they need to complete to try and get work / accommodation etc. It really does change lives and makes a huge difference to our local community, providing a safe, warm home during the coldest months and crucially a permanent address so that clients can apply for jobs and permanent accommodation.

Most crucially it gives people back their dignity. Every evening a hot meal is served and there is an incredible sense of community between the clients and the volunteers who give fantastic support. Just the opportunity to be warm and safe, have a cup of tea and a game of dominos makes a huge difference to the service users and in many cases it's the change that they need to get their lives back on track. One common theme among the people that need the night shelter is a lack of a safety net and this amazing charity provides just that to the people that need it the most.

Whilst the shelter is run by volunteers and hosted in 7 Slough churches, it costs an average of £36,000 to fund for the coldest winter months from January to March. Any support you can offer is very greatly appreciated.