When I see people sleeping rough in Leeds, I feel both sadness and unease - so much trauma must have happened for things to have reached this point....but I don't know how best to respond.

Most of the time I end up doing nothing.

When a colleague at work asked if anyone wanted to join him on the Simon on the Streets Big Sleep Out, I thought here's a great opportunity for me to do something: raising awareness and funding for a fantastic charity offering practical and emotional support to the homeless in Yorkshire (more details below).

I'll be sleeping out in front of Leeds Town Hall on Thursday 9th October - please consider supporting me.

Thanks so much,

Chris

Simon on the Streets supports anyone who is at risk of being homeless. The people they work with are often hidden and isolated. As they are an independent charity, they can provide unlimited support for as long as a person needs it.

This includes support around accessing accommodation, linking into primary healthcare for physical and mental health, or working with addiction services and trauma informed care specialists.

Simon on the Streets understand that every person facing homelessness has different needs and that it takes time to create a real change. They aim to provide person-centred support to help individuals achieve their goals, however long that may take. Simon on the Streets understand emotional support is valuable and that it helps to underpin any practical support given.