Could you face the cold of a November night with nothing but a sleeping bag and a cardboard mat? Please help me raise money for St Petroc's at the Sleep Out event at Eden on Thursday 6 November 2014.
I'm going to be spending a cold night sleeping outside at the Eden Project to raise funds and awareness for the plight of local youth homelessness. Please support me in this worthwhile cause.
Cornwall has a high number of rough sleepers. A large majority of these people are either from Cornwall or have lived and worked in the county for a significant time. Others travel to the county fleeing from violence or in search of employment and a fresh start. For many, the county is the simply end of the line on the train.
A large majority of rough sleepers are young and male, many of whom have suffered a relationship breakdown or lost their employment. Some may have drug, alcohol or mental health problems. Some are offenders, and an increasing number of former service personnel are being seen. Women account for approximately 20% rough sleepers. All homeless people are vulnerable.
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. Their primary aim is to provide these services to people aged 16-65 years and for whom no provision is made within the community, either statutory or otherwise.
•St Petroc's Society website
