I've always known about it.
I've walked past it, I've read about it and I've been sad when I've seen it.
But until last year, I never actually did anything about it!
HOMELESSNESS!!
In Cornwall alone, homelessness numbers are rising and according to Government statistics, Cornwall is amongst the highest of rough sleepers in the UK.
It took a TV programme and a wonderful lady to open my eyes up fully to homelessness and since then, I have actively done what I can to support this cause in my beloved home county of Cornwall. I buy the Big Issue weekly, I stop & give money to those who are busking or begging, I buy lunch for rough sleepers when I can, I sometimes volunteer for a homeless charity and if I can't do anymore than that, I merely stop and ask those on the streets the simple question 'how are you?!'
I found out about the Eden Project Sleepout when I took part in it for the first time last year and I knew it was something I had to do again this year.
So, here we are! I will be joining others on Thursday 9th November 2017 for The Eden Projects annual Sleepout where for one night, I will be sleeping "rough" outside to help raise money for a charity I feel strongly about. It won't even come close to experiencing what our homeless experience day in and day out. But if I can raise just a little bit of money for a charity that helps homeless people in Cornwall, then to me, it's a night well spent.
Who are St. Petrocs - "St Petroc's exists to provide a diverse range of services for the single homeless, who, more often than not, fall outside the responsibility of statutory authorities. The Society provides accommodation, support, advice, training and resettlement services to single homeless people in Cornwall. Within resources available, they strive to provide the best quality of service possible."