Hello. I'm raising money for the homeless, in particular for First Base. Well you know that. As I've just told you.

Homelessness is a major national issue. And Brighton and Hove faces some of the most acute problems in the country.

At the end of 2016,   4095 people in Brighton and Hove were officially homeless. That means 1 in every 69 people in the city are sleeping on the streets or in temporary or emergency accommodation. The city has the worst rate for homelessness outside London. That's not great. At all.

Following some major life issues I was homeless for 2 years of my life. I have some idea of the isolation, fear, humiliation and hopelessness involved. However, I was lucky. I was in hostels. So many people are actually spending their nights out on the streets in all weather, and many are dying there neglected and alone. Some of the major effects of this are:

• Fear. Many rough sleepers avoid sleeping in conspicuous locations for fear of being attacked, abused, robbed or moved on.
• As a result of this, and due to cold and hunger sleep is severely disrupted. This in turn damages both mental and physical health.
• Health is damaged through a lack of basic facilities for personal care such as bathing and washing clothes.
• Homeless people often have problems with drugs or alcohol, made worse through being on the street.

That's a scary bit of data. A lot of you will already know about First Base. Under huge financial pressure it does sterling work for the homeless in Brighton and Hove. It offers a range of services to support the homeless to get off the streets, start realising their aspirations through work, learning and leisure and find a place they can call home. It also cares for them with a genuine passion on a daily basis, offering

• Food
• Company
• Advice
• Dentistry
• Podiatry
• A nurse
• Mental health advice and support
• Accommodation and relocation services.

First Base relies on donations. That's why I'm asking for your help. I am eternally grateful to BHT who brought me out of a world of darkness and hopelessness into a place where I have choices, opportunities and can take control of my life. Everybody deserves a chance like this. If the government won't provide the funds, then we have a responsibility as a community to do it ourselves. Remember, there but for the grace of God go you and me. I never thought when I was an accountant and financial trainer that I would end up homeless and hopeless. In my early 50's. But it happened to me. And it could happen to you, or to someone you love and care for. And I bet you would want there to be somewhere you or they could go to receive the love and care they require?

So go on.

You know you want to.....

Big love and hugs.

Alasdair

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.