The SleepOut will take place from 7pm until 7am on Saturday 26th January 2008 at St Andrew’s Church, Market Place, Chippenham. The event has been organised to coincide with Homelessness Sunday on 27th January 2008, a national event, in order to increase awareness of homelessness in North Wiltshire and to raise much needed funds for the Doorway drop-in centre.

The SleepOut Pack, including guidelines and general information regarding the event; registration and sponsorship forms, can be downloaded in pdf format here

Please would you photocopy and prominently display the A5 flyer and A4 poster, or pass it on to someone who can publicise the SleepOut.

Doorway would like to invite members of the public, businesses and other organisations to support this event by participating in the SleepOut, joining us for the first part of the night, or by publicising the event.

Pre-registration is essential, so that we know roughly how many people will be attending, to enable us to manage the event safely and efficiently. To pre-register please email info@doorwayproject.org.uk or telephone 01249 445385 and then turn up on the night with the completed registration form.

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We now have confirmed attendances from:-

The official welcome and introduction by Jane Clark will take place at 8pm

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Chippenham Liberal Democrat Duncan Hames is one of the group of volunteers taking part.

He said: "I am looking forward to the challenge, although the weather is not looking particularly welcoming.
"It is crucial that we raise both money and awareness for the cause and that people open their eyes to the homelessness on their doorstep. There is a hidden homelessness in Chippenham and we need to bring it to the forefront of people's minds. I think this is the best time of year to have the sleep out as it is when homeless people suffer the most.

"I visited the Doorway shelter before Christmas and was deeply impressed by the dedication of the staff and the range of services they provide.

"I will spend the next few weeks trying to boost my sponsorship and I'm hoping to raise as much money as possible."

 

Doorway manager Margaret Cleverly said: "The support we have had so far has been brilliant, but we would love more people to join us. The event is crucial in showing people first hand what homeless people face if they don't seek help. We have been really encouraged by the response we have had so far and the money which has already been pledged.

"We have people in their sixties coming along and one in particular has already managed to raise £250 for the charity. We are hoping the weather holds out for us and doesn't rain too much.

"I would like to thank everyone for their support and hope it will continue well into 2008."