Eden Project Sleep Out raises £12,000
Around ninety volunteers slept among the biomes last week
Two Cornish homelessness charities are going to get more than £12,000 thanks to the support of fundraisers at the Eden Project.
The Eden Project's tenth annual sleep out took place on Thursday 16th of November, and around ninety people bedded down among the biomes to raise funds for St Petrocs and The Amber Foundation.
Over the last decade, hundreds of people have got together to sleep beneath the canopy of the Link Building with nothing more than sheets of carboard and sleeping bags to keep them warm.
In that time, more than £100,000 has been raised for the essential services provided by the two charities, which support people with safe, temporary accommodation, medical resources, skills and training.
The event came at time when the two charities have seen a significant increase in people struggling to afford basic essentials, with demand for their services at an all-time high.
The Amber Foundation has reported a 30% increase in referrals to its Devon centre this summer alone.
"It could happen to any one of us"
Dan James, Eden’s development director, said: “The last ten years of hosting, and taking part in, the Sleep Out at Eden, I’ve had the honour to meet lots of former clients of St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation.
“What is incredibly humbling is that he vast majority were living normal lives before their personal circumstances changed – job loss, relationship breakdown, unforeseen changes to their support network – it could happen to any one of us.
"Empathy and compassion are the greatest tools we as a society have to help change perceptions and support those who find themselves in a vulnerable position.”
St Petrocs works tirelessly to end homelessness by providing essential services such as advice, accommodation, medical resources, and skills training.
The team’s dedicated efforts address the growing crisis, offering hope and support to those in need.
Lois Wild, director of engagement and communications at St Petrocs, said: “Our heartfelt thanks go out to every supporter who braved the cold at the 10th Sleep Out.
"Their commitment fuels our mission to end homelessness, providing crucial support, hope, and a pathway to stability.”
The Amber Foundation is a transformative charity empowering young people by offering fully supported housing and a host of new opportunities and experiences.
With a focus on skill development and personal growth, Amber fosters independence and resilience while supporting young people to move on to a better and brighter future.
Rebecca Fry, the Amber Foundation’s fundraising manager, said: “The 10th Sleep Out at Eden is a milestone of community commitment to address homelessness.
"Coming together to show support, particularly at this time of year, goes such a long way to help us make a difference in people’s lives.”