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SleepOut event to highlight youth homelessness




A boom in the number of homeless people on Stratford’s streets has prompted a youth homeless charity to organise a special event highlighting the issue.

The number of homeless people of all ages in Stratford has risen 433 per cent since April, from three to sixteen.

St Basils, a charity which works to prevent youth homelessness, and help those who end up on the streets, says it is experiencing a greater demand for its services in Stratford then it has done for a number of years.

To draw attention to the issue, the charity will hold its first ‘Shakespeare SleepOut’ event on the recreation ground on 10 August.

Barry Hodge, head of fundraising and communications at St Basils, said: “This event is all about raising awareness, Stratford is seen as an affluent area and perhaps residents don’t really know that there is an issue with youth homelessness, but there is.

"There has been an increase in homelessness in Stratford and we’ve started offering services in the town, which is something we’ve not done in a long time. There are lots of reasons why young people become homeless, socio-economic factors, but the single largest reason is the breakdown of a relationship, whether that be with parents or a partner.

"We’re here to stop people falling through the cracks and to provide that support network when things like this happen.

“We offer floating support in Stratford, we don’t provide accommodation ourselves in the town, but we help people with getting back into employment and finding them somewhere to live.

“We did a small sleepOut event is Stratford last year with pupils from King Edward VI School, but this is our first large one in the town and we’re hoping it might raise around £4,000-5,000, all of which will be spent in Stratford.”

St Basils say a lack of affordable housing in Stratford means their role is becoming even more important.

The organisers of the Shakespeare SleepOut want to challenge families to sleep outside on the Recreation Ground, away from all the creature comforts of home.

There will be lots of optional games, activities and competitions to keep everyone entertained on-site as well as half price entry for Stratford’s Big Wheel.

Prizes will be available for the best Shakespearian fancy dress, creative cardboard creation and best Shakespeare performance and will be presented at the event by Stratford mayor Cllr John Bicknell.

The charity works closely with Stratford Town Council to help the town’s homeless and August’s event is all about raising urgent funds to ensure they can carry on their vital work in the town.

Commenting on the issue of increased homelessness in Stratford, Anne Johnson, rough sleeper engagement officer at Stratford District Council, said: “We have seen an increase in general homelessness in Stratford, we were down to just three in April, but that has now risen to 16 rough sleepers in Stratford. People come to Stratford because they see that we have the help available here.

“Stratford is seen as an affluent place and begging is still an issue, but people need to know that they are not helping by throwing money at these people on the street. It’s much better to help the organisations in Stratford like the Link Project that are working to ensure homeless people get the support they need.

“The advent of universal credit has fuelled homelessness and with young people changing relationships with parents can also play a part.

“I think events like the sleepout which raise awareness of homelessness in Stratford are a good idea, I’m not precious about which organisation helps these people, as long as they are getting the support they need.”

Rachel Jones, head of community engagement at Stratford Town Trust added: “We are very pleased to be able support St Basil’s to raise awareness of youth homelessness in Stratford. This is a symbolic move from the Trust as we have not supported this campaign through our traditional grant funding, but through working together and sharing our knowledge and assets. We know that housing and homelessness is an increasing area of concern for the town and commend St Basils for their tireless commitment and work with young people”.

Those wishing to take part in the Shakespeare SleepOut need to register by visiting www.stbasils.org.uk/shakespearesleepout

The Shakespeare SleepOut is being sponsored by the Rosconn Group.



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