The Rock Trust Sleep Out will take place this year on 6 November
Youth homeless charity the Rock Trust has announced its annual Sleep Out will take place this year on 6 Novemeber.
The event will see hundreds of people from across central Scotland spend the night together outdoors in Edinburgh’s Festival Square.
It is one of the Rock Trust’s biggest fundraisers and although it is by no means meant to replicate homelessness – it does give participants a glimpse of what homeless young people experience when they sleep on the streets of Edinburgh.
“It’s a challenge – cold, uncomfortable and often wet but it is an experience that lives with the participants forever,” Kate Polson chief executive of The Rock Trust said.
“Homelessness is a real problem in Scotland. We support approximately 400 young people every year to build a better future and avoid or move on from homelessness.
Homelessness is a real problem in Scotland. We support approximately 400 young people every year to build a better future and avoid or move on from homelessness
“We’re encouraging workmates, families, teams and individuals to sign up and take part to show that homelessness cannot be ignored.”
Deidre Brock, MP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, who is supporting the event added: “Everyone taking part in the Sleep Out on 6th November will be hoping that it isn't too cold to be sleeping outside but they'll all be keeping in mind that others don't have the option of going home to their own warm and cosy bed.
“I'm hoping this fundraising event will get more people interested in the work of the Rock Trust but, even more importantly I hope that people will put their hands in their pockets and come up with a few pounds to help the work of the trust.”
Refreshments will be available throughout the night along with entertainment and prizes for the best fundraisers and fundraising team and for those with the best onesies.
Marshalls and security guards will be on watch all night and Stoats will serve a porridge breakfast from 6am.
For more information on how to take part contact Katriona Harding at [email protected] or call 0131 557 4059.
Alternatively visit The Rock Trust website rocktrust.org.
