On 19 November I am taking part in Sleep Out for Centrepoint, spending a cold and uncomfortable night sleeping in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park but it's all for an amazing cause. Sleep Out raises money to help change the story for thousands of homeless 16-25 year olds in the UK. 103,000 young people experience homelessness every year and the effects can be devastating. Centrepoint supports young people to recover their health and find a job and home of their own. 

For the second year running, staff from The Montessori Group are joining students and tutors from Montessori Centre International (https://www.montessoritraining.org.uk), to take part in Centrepoints Sleep Out to help break the cycle of youth homelessness. Were raising money for the valuable work that Centrepoint does, whilst we learn about the issues faced by those sleeping rough.

We would be very grateful if youd support us and make a donation. Every penny really does count and will make a big difference to the lives of those struggling with homelessness. Please share with your social networks and family too.

A key challenge for young people facing homelessness is the lack of accessible educational and training opportunities to help them build a career.

Our training college, Montessori Centre International (MCI), is a leading provider of Montessori and Early Years qualifications with an international reputation for quality. MCI is working with Centrepoint to offer free training places to homeless young adults, to support them in finding long term solutions to homelessness.

The initiative will provide positive career opportunities in Early Years education settings, and key skills to equip future employment, especially beneficial for young parents who need flexibility around school holidays. Students will graduate with a qualification, the NCFE/Cache Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy birth to seven (Early Years Educator), which can lead to employment or further training.