THOUSANDS of pounds have been raised for a homeless charity after supporters slept outside to gain an insight into rough sleeping.
Leamington-based Helping Hands organised its seventh annual Big Sleepout to raise much-needed funds after the pandemic took its toll on funds.
Around £6,000 was raised through the event which took place in the grounds of Leamington’s All Saints Parish Church.
Charity CEO Lianne Kirkman said: “The last 18 months have been incredibly hard with so many fundraisers cancelled and income streams cut. This has put great pressure on the charity at a time when our clients are needing us more than ever.
“We are now serving between 400 and 500 meals at our soup kitchen a month. We are getting increased referrals from Refuge, Housing Association and Probation.
“The number of women registered with our Esther Project has risen from 18 to 40 since the start of the pandemic and we have supported 100 families and individuals through our House2Home Project so far this year.
“It was great to host the Big Sleepout again and raise some desperately needed funds so that we can continue to support our projects.
“We’d like to thank everyone who took part and volunteered their time.”
Visit www.helpinghandscharity.org.uk for more information on the charity.
