Dear Friends

Some run marathons, some sing, some climb Mt Kilimanjaro, or trek across the Himalayas. I do none of these great things. But I am quite good at sleeping. To that end I am taking part in the Great Sleep Out in the Cloisters of Norwich Cathedral on Friday 30 January in aid of St Martins Housing Trust.

Why St Martins? As any of you who know me well, will already be aware, I am passionate about good mental health. But good mental health is only ever possible when an individual has a secure base from which to operate. No person can be successfully treated for difficulties with his or her mental health while they are kipping on the street, under a viaduct, or sofa surfing night after night. Everyone needs their own front door. That has to be the starting point, and only then can other life changing support begin to be put in place.

Already St Martins has seen a large increase in those losing their homes this winter as unemployment hits a four year high. The cost of living and massive local authority cuts have inevitably added to the very real crisis on our streets. Nobody chooses to be homeless, and sometimes even the smallest act of kindness can transform a life.

Anything at all you can give St Martins to continue their extraordinary work with the homeless across Norwich and beyond, would be appreciated beyond measure. Thank you so much.

Pippa

The Lady Dannatt MBE

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Norfolk