Spires, the charity for homeless and disadvantaged people, are raising awareness and money for their Rough Sleeper’s Project.

Spires helps people who are homeless or have insecure accommodation, but are also facing many complex issues such as long-term unemployment, problems with poor mental and physical health, addiction and substance misuse, or are imprisoned by sex work.

Their focus is on long-lasting change and hope for a better future. They have volunteer opportunities and an Adult Learning Centre for service users who are ready to take the next step towards independent living. Through these programs, many clients go on to employment and further education. As well as literacy and numeracy, they have additional courses and classes to increase well-being and reduce anxiety, like a music therapy class and a gardening project.

With winter fast approaching, they are raising money for their Rough Sleeper’s Project. The project provides hot showers, breakfast, toiletries and clean clothes as well as key support work for clients who are sleeping rough. In 2016/17 they had 527 service users through Rough Sleeper’s Space and Open Access, a totally of 6106 attendances. 190 of these service users received key worker support. 119 saw the one or more of the charity’s on-site health professionals. They have a nurse, chiropodist and dentist who regularly visit to treat clients. 94 service users were referred to safe and suitable housing.

This November, Spires is organising a sponsored Sleep Out to raise money and awareness for the project. Taking part are members of staff, volunteers and employees from some of the charity’s funders, but more volunteers are welcome.

The event will take place on November 17th from 8pm to November 19th at 6am, at The Rookery in Streatham. To take part, email leanne@spires.org.uk. To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/spirescentre/spiresbigsleepout 

You can find out more about Spires on their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.