YOUNG and old braved the cold and slept rough last weekend to raise much-needed funds to help the homeless in Rugby.
On Friday night (February 24), 35 brave volunteers gathered at the Hope Centre to take part in a Sleep Out to Help Out event – helping to raise over £10,000 in aid of Hope4, a local charity which works with Rugby’s homeless and insecurely-housed people.
Participants ranged from 11 to 76-years-old, and included members of Stretton-on-Dunsmore Scout Group and the local Women’s Labour Party Group, staff from Lisi Aerospace, and people from the community including a Hope 4 Trustee and staff member.
After a hearty meal donated by Fish Plus and cakes from the Awesome Coffee Company, volunteers heard about the work done at the Hope Centre and the positive impact it is making in peoples’ lives across the town.
Adi Robinson, the Hope Centre’s Service Delivery Manager, showcased a new video about one client’s journey out of homelessness and shared his own reflections on how vital the fund-raising event was in keeping the Hope Centre’s doors open.
Mayor Carolyn Watson-Merret and her Consort joined the volunteers for the evening and judged the ‘carboard competition’, which rewarded the most creative and most illuminated cardboard shelters, the oldest person sleeping out, and more.
Adi, who stayed awake all night in case of emergencies, said: “Those who slept out in the carpark ranged from 11-76 years old which is just incredible.
“They all did amazingly well; it was a cold night and was certainly outside their comfort zone.
“Before ‘lights out’, the Labour group hosted a very enjoyable sing-song in the carpark.
“I think we all really appreciated our beds on Saturday night!”
Deputy Mayor Maggie O’Rourke, a member of the Women’s Labour Party Group, said the event made her realise what the harsh reality was for those without a home.
She said: “Feeling cold and vulnerable along with lots of noise made it impossible to sleep.
“Although I found it very challenging, it did make me realise just how awful it must be to not have a roof over your head.
“I am proud to be part of a team who managed to raise over £3,000. Thank you Hope4 for the amazing work that they do.”
The Hope Centre is unique in Rugby and last year worked with more than 130 people, helping with everything from securing housing, sorting benefit claims, job applications, and health needs to tents, sleeping bags, hot showers, food, clothing, and laundry.
Each client works with a dedicated Key Worker on their journey out of homelessness – which can take anything from a few days to several years.
Once housed, clients are helped to get all the things that turn a ‘house’ into a ‘home’ – furniture, bedding, and the skills to maintain a tenancy including basic cooking, setting up utility bills, and budgeting.
The Centre has developed into a ‘hub’ where other agencies come to work with mutual clients because they recognises that the Centre is ‘their’ safe space – something which Chair of Trustees Diana Mansell said was ‘hugely mutually beneficial’.
She said: “I was thrilled that so many people from the town took part. It just shows how Rugby’s community really wants to make a difference even when we are all feeling the pinch with the current cost-of-living crisis.
“Rugby has an incredible volunteering spirit and I want to thank everyone who took part, and everyone who has donated so generously.
“Our Just Giving page remains open and can be found via Hope4’s website. To date the total stands at over £10,000, which is incredible.
“With it costing £500 a day to keep the Centre open, every penny is much needed, and we promise to invest it well into the lives of so many in need in our town.”
The sleepout, sponsored by Yell & Savage, was Hope4’s first major post-Covid fund-raising event, and will be held again next February.
Visit www.hope4.org.uk for more information, or to donate.
