Caritas Salford raises over £5,000 to help the homeless

Caritas Salford are running their annual Big Sleep Out to raise awareness for the growing number of homeless people across Greater Manchester. 

Anyone who takes part in the Big Sleep Out will commit to sleeping outside for a night to raise sponsorships.

Through their JustGiving page Caritas has raised over £5000 thanks to the generosity of the public. Those funds will go directly towards ensuring those that are homeless will have something warm to eat and somewhere safe to sleep.

Claire Briscoe, communications manager at Caritas Salford, said: “It helps us all stop, reflect, and think about what many young people and adults experiencing homelessness are facing every day.”

For the first time in five years, Greater Manchester has seen a 13 per cent increase in rough sleepers, but the figure is predicted to be bigger as we await the official end of year count.

Caritas’ Big Sleep Out has been held for the past decade but has recently come under financial struggles due to the cost of living crisis, Mrs Briscoe said: “Demand for our services supporting people experiencing poverty, homelessness and discrimination in the area is continuing to grow due to the cost-of-living crisis and other factors.

“As a charity, we’re also finding that our own costs to continue running those services, such as to heat our day centres or provide hot meals to those who need it, are rising too.

“We’re really reliant on donations and fundraising to continue to help people facing crisis, and people choosing to take part in activities like the Big Sleep Out really does make a huge difference.”

Anyone who wishes to set up their own big sleep out event can do so by following the steps on the Caritas website.

Mrs Briscoe expressed here gratefulness for the generosity of the public and said: “We’re hugely grateful because, as a charity, we simply couldn’t continue our work without the kindness and support of others.

“Every person who participates really does make a difference and however they choose to support us we’re really appreciative.”

Last year Caritas helped to move 236 people off the streets, out of homelessness, and into secure supported or permanent accommodation. If you would like to make a donation or sponsor a room for the homeless then visit their website or donate via their JustGiving page.

Featured image is taken by Evelyn Simak.