Dear Friends,

In the northern hemisphere, it is getting colder and wetter as we move towards December and the end of the year. In addition to this, the cost of living is hitting everyone making basic living more difficult. In addition to this there has been a 15.7% increase in mental health problems in young people since 2021 with a large increase particularly in the LGBTQ+ community. Adding a huge loss of social housing and out-of-work support, there has been a massive increase in the number of young people who are homeless.

The Clock Tower Sanctuary is a vital charity that helps young homeless people on the south coast and their work helps 16-25 year olds in many different ways. They can feed them, help wash their clothes, provide better clothing for going to job interviews, give cooking equipment and food supplies for someone living in temporary accommodation and provide emotional support. This is a quote from 23 year old Ivan who has been helped by the CTS:

“The Clock Tower Sanctuary meets your basic needs and that allows you to get organised and to try and get a job. Otherwise, you are in a fight or flight survival mode and you can very easily spiral down, becoming depressed and lonely. It’s exhausting.”

Three years ago, I spent a rainy night out sleeping outside to raise money for the TCS; it was tough but at least I was able to go home afterwards to have a shower and to my bed. It gave me a very small bit of an insight into what so many people have to put up with on a daily basis. I have therefore decided that I need to do what I can help again. Therefore on Monday 12th December, I will be sleeping out again to raise money for TCS. It is a small gesture but each of our small gestures will add up to the wonderful work that this charity does. I hope that you are able to support me in my attempt to raise money for TCS - thanks in advance for any support you can give :-)