SUPPORTERS of Redditch homeless support charity, Night Stop are taking to the streets for a sleep-out this weekend.
On Saturday (July 16) volunteers will brave the elements and sleeping out in the open market to raise awareness of the challenges faced by rough sleepers across the country.
From 7pm, around 20 people will be unrolling their sleeping bags crawling under a piece of cardboard – with several Redditch Councillors invited to share the experience.
Army Reserve soldiers from 37th Signal Regiment will also be joining them to show their support for the charity.
Night Stop volunteer, Julie Hughes said: “It’s not a comfortable experience for anyone, but it can help us appreciate what many people endure on a nightly basis.
“The sleep out is a tough challenge, and the soldiers have the added pressure of being in the middle of a fund raising cyclothon too.
“I wish them the best of luck and thank them for supporting us.”
The soldiers are conducting a fund-raising cycle ride on Watt Bikes at the Kingfisher Shopping Centre and at Asda Supermarket this weekend, with the 369 mile cyclothon being launched by the Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Joe Baker, from the Town Hall on Tuesday (July 19).
Sgt Russ Taylor, of 54th Support Squadron said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our soldiers to do something positive for the Redditch community. Our soldiers thrive on a challenge and are eager to get out and make a really positive contribution to this worthy charity and to the many young people it supports.”
Redditch Night Stop is an organisation set up to provide support to 16-25 year olds in Redditch who are at risk of or suffering from homelessness.
For more information call 01527 66036 or see http://www.redditchnightstop.co.uk/
