I am sleeping out as part of RESTART’s event on the streets on Friday 5th December outside St Columba's Church Pont Street. I wish it wasn’t necessary to sleepout or ask for your support, especially as so many people have been so generous across multiple years previously. But our drop-in continues to see increased numbers, with more guests needing more help. There is an acute social housing crisis, and it is very cold and wet sleeping on the streets. The sleepout is not designed to reflect the grim experience of long-term homelessness, much as it helps understand what it might be like to sleep rough night after night a little better. But it will help raise much-needed funds to support RESTART’s work. We are targeting £150,000 in a difficult fundraising environment.

RESTART empowers homeless people to overcome the personal and systemic barriers they are facing and to reach their self-defined goals. From housing and employment, to mental and physical health, we offer wraparound casework and group programmes aimed at empowering each person to take any steps that are right for them. We believe everyone deserves a safe home.

I and RESTART would be hugely grateful if you would please agree to sponsor/donate

#restartlives

#noplacelikethestreet

#sleepingroughthiswinter

#homelessnessreality

#smallcharity

#fundraiser