Exeter homelessness charity St Petrock’s is inviting people to sleep out under the stars on 12 April to help raise money for its work supporting rough sleepers.
Event participants are invited to sleep away from their own beds for the night in a spot such as a garage, shed, garden or another safe location of their choice.
The charity will award prizes to participants in categories including “most resplendent hat”, “most elaborate shelter” and more.
Prizes include free cinema tickets and an annual family pass to Canonteign Falls.
Claire Wright and Peter Stephenson from St Petrock’s
St Petrock’s director Peter Stephenson, who will be settling down in his shed for the night, said: “People’s experiences on 12 April won’t compare with the physical and mental trauma of being homeless, of course.
“However, it’ll be a fun way to raise money for our life-saving work supporting rough sleepers and a chance to reflect on what it might be like to have to sleep rough out of necessity.”
It’s free to take part but participants are asked to set up their own fundraising web page, to which access will be provided once signed up, and to try to raise at least £100.
Participants will receive an info pack including guidance on how to stay safe and warm as well as how to secure sponsorship.
Promotional materials to share on social media and elsewhere will also be provided.
St Petrock’s mobile rough sleeper support service in action
St Petrock’s began providing homelessness support in December 1994. Its team, supported by 30 volunteers, helps people to access housing, healthcare, benefits and other essential services.
From its centre in Cathedral Yard it provides hot showers, laundry facilities, phone and internet access and supplies survival equipment and clothing and serves breakfast and lunch to rough sleepers across the city each weekday.
The number of people sleeping rough in Exeter remains at a critically high level.
On a typical night, between 25 and 35 people sleep rough on the streets of Exeter. They are not a static group: people find themselves newly-homeless every week.
Between April and December last year the charity washed almost 500 loads of laundry, gave out over 1,500 items of clothing and provided almost 1,000 sessions of emotional and practical support.
Almost all its funding comes from the local community.
The St Petrock’s Big Night Out takes place on Friday 12 April 2024.
People of all ages are welcome to take part but under-eighteens should seek permission from a parent or guardian and under-fourteens should be accompanied by an adult.
For more information and to sign up to participate visit the St Petrock’s website.
