On August 19th I am planning to cycle 85km on and off road around the Dales countryside. Initially I set myself this challenge to get fitter but it it feels far more meaningful to support a charity too.
Skipton is a thriving market town and in November 2017 was described as the happiest place to live in Britain. I certainly feel extremely blessed and am very happy to live in this amazing part of the world. However even an idyllic part of the world does not mean that everyone has a roof over their head and it can be easy to overlook this.
Craven Homeless Hub provides a “hub” in central Skipton for people who have a high level of housing need, in particular those currently or at risk of rough sleeping, and with an unsettled lifestyle, and other support needs. There are 3 parts to the service offered:
Day Services – offers a lifeline to people who are rough sleeping, or in need of housing or living in poor accommodation. It is a warm, safe, sociable place, but also a point of contact for getting help with housing and other problems. Advice and all kinds of practical help and support are on offer under one roof, in easy-access, comfortable surroundings.
Outreach Support – supports people in the community, who are rough sleeping or who are at risk of rough sleeping.
Supported Accommodation – ten units of self-contained bedsit accommodation in central Skipton. The hostel is staffed 24/7. All accommodation is fully furnished.
I'd like to support the work of the hub by raising funds that will be used to provide specific help to those who are in urgent need of housing and maybe for simple items that you and I may take for granted such as toiletries and underwear. Funding and gifts exist for the obvious housing needs such as furniture and electrical items but there are occasions when an emergency type fund is needed for these less obvious items.
I'd love you to join me in supporting this local great work by supporting me in this challenge - thank you :)