People are being urged to help raise funds for the homeless by swapping their beds for a night out in the cold armed only with a sleeping bag and some cardboard.
The Benjamin Foundation is to hold its fourth annual Norwich Sleep Out on Thursday, November 15, and registration is now open for the fundraiser which will this year take place at Norwich City Football Club, in Carrow Road.
Last November's event was held in the car park of the EDP and Evening News' Norwich headquarters, and more than £30,000 was raised for The Benjamin Foundation.
And since the Norwich Sleep Out event first began a total of about about 300 people have braved a cold November night and raised more than £90,000 for the charity's vital work in helping to keep vulnerable young adults off the streets.
The aim of The Benjamin Foundation is to prevent young adults becoming homeless by providing them with a home and the support they need to become independent. This is achieved by supporting the young people's education, training and careers, and ensuring they have life skills such as shopping, cooking and being able to budget their money.
Chris Elliott, The Benjamin Foundation's marketing and fundraising manager, said: 'We want to end youth homelessness and we are tackling the problem locally by providing a home and support to over 100 vulnerable young adults each night. We give the young people a stable home and provide them with the skills they need so they can leave us to forge an independent life. We recognise that Sleep Out is not the same as the real hardship faced by rough sleepers but it does give those participating the opportunity to see for themselves what it might feel like to be homeless. The event is also a great way to build awareness of the issue of homelessness in our region, whilst raising much-needed funds.
Norwich City legend Grant Holt, who took part in Sleep Out 2017, said: 'Spending a night outside in November certainly makes you think more deeply about homelessness. I'd urge you to take part in the Sleep Out this year and raise money for The Benjamin Foundation so they can prevent more young people locally from ending up on the streets.'
Ian Thornton, from Norwich City Community Sports Foundation, said: 'The Community Sports Foundation and Norwich City are really pleased to support the Benjamin Foundation Sleep Out event, which is taking place outside Carrow Road later this year.
'Through our own work over the years on our Street life Soccer programme we have supported many people who have been affected by homelessness in our region, we understand only too well how tough it can be for those who find themselves on the streets - particularly at colder times of the year.
'I'm sure the event here in November will be a big success and will serve to highlight issues surrounding homelessness and ways we can all work together to help tackle them.'
To sign up to take part in Norwich Sleep Out 2018 click hereFor more information, email chris.elliott@benjaminfoundation.co.uk or call 01603 886933.
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