Eden raises vital funds for people experiencing homelessness in Cornwall
A mass one-night sleep out was held beneath the Biomes
A hard-floored, chilly night outside at the Eden Project has been raising awareness for people experiencing homelessness across Cornwall.
The event - supporting charities St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation - has highlighted the increasing pressure on homeless charities as the cost of living continues to rise.
Around 80 participants took part by sleeping underneath a canopy at the Eden Project using only sheets of cardboard and their own sleeping bags for warmth and comfort.
Henry Meacock, Chief Executive of St Petrocs, said: “Homelessness is a human rights crisis. It can be resolved and it can be prevented. It is wonderful to see the community coming together at events like the Sleep Out to be part of the solution. Together, we will work to end homelessness in Cornwall.”
“I'd like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who slept out to raise awareness and much needed funds. Thank you. The fundraising from the evening will go directly to support our emergency accommodation service this winter".
The event is the ninth time Eden has hosted a mass one-night Sleep Out ouside the Biomes to raise awareness and tens of thousands of pounds for charities helping people struggling with home insecurity in Cornwall and the south-west.
The purpose of the event - which takes place on a weekday - is for those sleeping the night to go to work the next day and get a small understanding of what it is like to sleep a night on the streets.
This year it comes at a time when the two charities say they are seeing a rapid rise in referrals, in particular among young people facing more complex issues, especially with their mental health.
Rebecca Fry, Amber’s Fundraising Manager, said: “We are so delighted to be involved in the Eden Sleep Out once again this year. It’s a really wonderful event highlighting a very serious issue that people young and old are facing on the streets right now.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and attended and the wonderful Eden team for putting on another excellent event. The money raised is hugely important to us and it is crucial that we continue to highlight this issue.“
Dan James, Eden’s Development Director, said: “Once again we congratulate all participants for making it through the night and thank them for supporting the vital work the Amber Foundation and St Petrocs do for so many people. The awareness and funds raised at the Eden Sleep Out really do make a big difference.
“We look forward to hosting the Eden Sleep Out once again in 2023, for what will be our milestone 10th year, and we hope to see as many faces as possible, old and new, taking part.”