Norfolk Charity Raises Over £300,000 Through Sleep Out Event
The Benjamin Foundation, a Norfolk-based charity, has successfully raised over £300,000 through its annual Sleep Out event over the past decade. The event invites members of the public to spend a night outdoors at Norwich Cathedral to raise awareness and funds for young people at risk of homelessness. The charity's work focuses on providing housing support to 16 to 30-year-olds across Norfolk and Suffolk, with its housing efforts expanding through programs such as move-on housing and tenancy support. Patti, a 21-year-old resident supported by the foundation, expressed gratitude for the charity's work, stating, "I never really had a home, so this is a home for me. I'm forever thankful for this place."
Key Takeaways:
- The Benjamin Foundation's Sleep Out event has raised over £300,000 over the past decade.
- The charity's Sleep Out invites members of the public to spend a night outdoors at Norwich Cathedral to raise awareness and funds for young people at risk of homelessness.
- The charity's work focuses on providing housing support to 16 to 30-year-olds across Norfolk and Suffolk, supporting 72 young people through its Rent Deposit Scheme last year.
- The charity also provides move-on housing and tenancy support to help young people secure deposits and develop skills needed to live independently.
- The event plays a crucial role in the charity's fundraising efforts, with Joshua, the charity's fundraising coordinator, emphasizing its importance for raising voices against youth homelessness.
- Patti, a 21-year-old resident supported by the foundation, credits the charity for providing her with a sense of home and support.
- The charity continues to expand its housing efforts through various programs.
Statistics:
- £300,000: The total amount raised by the Benjamin Foundation through its Sleep Out event over the past decade.
- 72: The number of young people supported last year through the charity's Rent Deposit Scheme.
- 10 years: The duration of the Sleep Out event, which has become a cornerstone of the charity's fundraising efforts.
- 16-30 years: The age range of young people supported by the charity's housing work.
Sources:
- "Byline: Sophie Skyring"