We are delighted to announce that Aviva York have chosen us as their regional charity of the year! This is fantastic news for us as it means a great opportunity to raise awareness of our work, recruit more volunteers and of course raise much-needed funding. News of special events will be posted on our website, so please keep visiting for updates.
Sleepout 2010 - Scouts in the porch!
What a fantastic effort by all involved in the Sleepout! Our supporters and 'sleep-outers' (including the Scouts!) have so far managed to raise £2,353.31, with more still to come!
29 'rough sleepers', including 15 youngsters settled down for the night, with temperatures dipping to -5! The youngest pair made a cardboard igloo inside the chilly church.
"It was a bit scary because I thought that a ghost was going to pop out," said Heather (aged 6).
"My wish is that the world would be healthy and every one had a bed." Her sister Melissa (aged 5) said,
"It was really cold... I think it is really sad that people have to live in boxes all the time."
Their mum Louise was in two minds about allowing them to do it, but they were so keen.
"I was awake trying to keep them warm. The thought of doing this for a night was hard enough. The idea of doing it with nowhere else to go is unthinkable".
Following the event on Saturday night, Tracey Ward, our Rural SASH Co-ordinator, gave a talk at the Sunday church service about the hardships experienced by young people who become homeless. Organizer Sarah Ware said:
"The sleepout made us appreciate the warmth and safety of our own homes all the more. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to the amazing amount raised... churchgoers, townsfolk, Kirkbymoorside traders, friends and relations. The response has been really positive and overwhelming".
So thanks again to all our supporters in Kirkbymoorside for this tremendous effort! The money raised will go directly to help homeless young people in Ryedale.
Our brave supporters in Kirkbymoorside are once again holding their Sponsored Sleepout to raise money for SASH. They will be at All Saints Churchyard and around the town on Saturday 30th January from 10pm. Do go and say hello and if you can - words of encouragement on a cold winter's night will be much appreciated!
If you are able to give sponsorship, please get in touch with the organiser, Sarah Ware. Her contact details are on the sleepout poster which you can download here: Kirkbymoorside Sponsored Sleepout.
As you will have gathered from the new web site, York Nightstop Charity is now Safe and Sound Homes! The decision to change our name was confirmed at the AGM last year, after consultation with our members, hosts and young people using our services.
Our services have grown considerably over the past two years.
We now run two Supported Lodgings and six Short-Term accommodation
schemes across York and North Yorkshire and have been able to provide
help and support to a greater number of vulnerable young people than
ever before. It was felt that the name Safe and Sound Homes, originally
the name of one of our projects, better reflected the nature of our
work following recent developments. There is no change to the charity's
aims or beneficiaries.