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Charity lies down on the job
Practice area: General
Neale Grearson
Even in the current economic climate, you wouldn't expect to find a solicitor and a chief executive sleeping on the streets – but that's exactly what's happening on Friday 11th December to help raise awareness of homelessness and housing issues across the county.
The sleep-out is being organised by The Benjamin Foundation, a charity which supports young people and families throughout Norfolk.
The group includes the Charity's Chief Executive, Richard Draper, along with Chairman, Judith Mitchell and Trustee, Neale Grearson - a family solicitor with Kester Cunningham John. They'll be joined by staff and residents of Winston Court – The Benjamin Foundation's supported accommodation facility in North Walsham for young single homeless people – including support worker, Ian Jansens. Local residents will add some festive cheer by singing Carols from around 8.45pm.
The sleep-out stalwarts will bed down outside Sainsbury's in North Walsham, from 7pm until the store opens at 8am, with the aim of raising awareness and sponsorship towards the Charity's work with homeless young people.
According to government statistics, Norwich has almost as many rough sleepers on its streets as Manchester and Liverpool. Figures are steadily increasing with the rise in homelessness being linked to the recession, which appears to be hitting the youth of Norfolk hard.
Matt Garrod, operational manager for housing and homelessness, says the sleep-out is designed not just to raise funds but to highlight the plight many people find themselves in through no fault of their own: "Homelessness can happen to anyone – it shouldn't, but it does. And it isn't just about not having a roof over your head. The effects include isolation, lack of learning education and employment opportunities. Many young people simply fall through the net – on leaving care or as a result of difficult family circumstances."
Britain has one of the highest levels of homelessness in Europe with more than 4 people per 1,000 estimated to be homeless. While the number of voluntary organisations helping homeless people has grown significantly in recent years, there is no single organisation which covers homelessness across the whole of the UK.
The Benjamin Foundation provides supported and 'move on' accommodation for young people across Norfolk, with facilities in North Walsham, Fakenham, Great Yarmouth and a new centre due to open in King's Lynn shortly.
"As well as practical solutions and services," explains Matt, "our team offers support, understanding and counselling to help empower people and give them back a sense of hope and control. Particularly at this time of year, we'd ask people to remember that not everyone has the security and support of a family network – and the sleep-out is a very visible way of highlighting some of the issues."
Following the sleep-out, on Saturday 12th, staff and residents from Winston Court will be in Sainsbury's offering a bag packing service and face-painting for children, in return for donations. The Benjamin Foundation is Sainsbury's current Charity of the Year, working in partnership to promote all areas of the Charity's work with children, young people and families.
Anyone who would like to sponsor/donate to the sleep-out should e-mail matt.garrod@benjaminfoundation.co.uk .
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