Salford: Sleep in and support a charity

Guests queuing to get into Cornerstone

Source: Caritas Salford

A charity covering Greater Manchester and Lancashire, is asking individuals and families to spend a night sleeping on the floor, sofa or under the stairs in order to experience being a sofa-surfer in support of homeless people in the city.

This Friday, 10th July at 7pm Caritas Diocese of Salford, a charity which helps vulnerable people from Didsbury to Clitheroe, is running the virtual, Big Sleep In. Previously known as the Big Sleep Out, this fundraising initiative has been adapted to fit around safety measures during the pandemic.

Participants who are keen to take part need to register and can generate support from friends and family for sponsorship, ahead of gathering a sleeping bag and spot to stay for an alternative night at home. The event will end with a live-streamed Mass celebrated by the Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, at 10am on 11 July.

Money raised will support Cornerstone, a day centre run by Caritas in Moss Side, which provides services for thousands of adults from across the world facing a wide range of social issues, including homelessness, social isolation, poor mental health and addiction. The Centre also runs the Safe Haven Night Shelter, which consists of three portacabins in Moss Side offering safe and dry emergency accommodation for homeless people.

Mark Wiggin, Director of Caritas Salford, said: "The Big Sleep Out offers an insight into some of the mental and physical hardships that many homeless people face on the streets every night. Over the last three years, it has raised around £150,000 which has made a huge impact on the education, life skills and health services that Cornerstone provides.

"This year we've had to get creative and we're asking individuals, families and households to choose somewhere, other than their own bed, to sleep for the night, to understand how a sofa-surfer feels. All we ask is that you must be safe and in line with guidelines around safeguarding and social distancing.

"Money raised this year will go towards vital services at Cornerstone such as providing essential and hygiene support, access to eye tests and glasses for homeless people, cookery classes."

To register to take part please go to: http://cornerstonecds.org.uk/big-sleep-in/

After registering the Caritas team will send information about how to join a live webinar: Home Truths-Re-imagining A World Without Homelessness, where Bishop John Arnold will formally welcome all to the Big Sleep In.