Cold, noisy, disorientating. This is how the team of volunteers that took part in the CEO Sleepout 23 described their night in the cold. But together they raised over £25K for homelessness services and the donations are still coming in.
On the night of 20 November a team of volunteers from across our Scots in London organisations took part in the fundraising event. They were headed up by ScotsCare, the frontline charity for first and second generation Scots in London.
Taking part was the CEO of ScotsCare Shona Fleming, supported by ScotsCare Trustee
Jessica Cadzow-Collins and volunteer James, Rebecca Baines, our Scots in London management team Chair Paul McFarland, plus David Balden and Matthew McCluskey from The Caledonian Club.
Left to right: Rebecca Baines, Jessica Cadzow-Collins, Paul McFarland, David Balden, Matthew McCluskey, Shona Fleming and James.
They all slept through the cold in the stands at Lord's Cricket Ground to raise money for homelessness services.
ScotsCare said “Unfortunately, many have to do this every night, and without a safe location or guarantee of being undisturbed. After just one night the team felt disorientated and tired, from sleep deprivation caused by the cold and sirens and noise of the city. It's clear how it can become progressively harder to get out of homelessness, once it becomes more and more regular. That's where our services step in.”
According to statistics, more than 1 in 20 of the UK homeless population in London is Scottish [CHAIN, 2018]. ScotsCare offer a full range of services to support those struggling with homelessness, from walk-in services, to support securing accommodation, financial grants, advocacy and psychotherapy.
If you would like to donate to their fundraiser,there is still time to donate to Shona's page here
ScotsCare volunteer, James shared the reality of living on the streets and rehabilitating his life, with the help of services from the likes of ScotsCare.
Images: Credit of ScotsCare - www.scotscare.com