Press releases 2007

Sleep-Out success at the Cathedral

30th January 2007

One hundred people joined the Mayor of Salisbury, Sheila Warrander for her sponsored Sleep-Out at Salisbury Cathedral on Friday 26th January.  Following several days and nights of the coldest weather this winter, everyone was grateful that the night remained dry.  Participants were sleeping in the Cloisters which are open to the cold but did provide some protection from the wind.

The event was held to raise funds for the Mayor’s Appeal, and her chosen charity Alabaré Christian Care Centres, and to give participants the chance to briefly experience the conditions that many homeless people have to endure every night.  Everyone taking part was asked to raise a minimum of £25 in sponsorship.  Funds raised by the Mayor’s Appeal will go towards providing an enhanced or permanent Drop In Centre in Salisbury.

Ranging in age from 14 to 80, everyone joined in the challenge with good spirit and atmosphere of camaraderie.  Those taking part came from a wide range of backgrounds included students from South Wilts Grammar, local councillors, representatives from local churches and community groups, local companies and the media.  A number of staff and Trustees from Alabaré also took part together with six NCO’s from the TA of the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment as marshals.

Chief Executive of Alabaré, Andrew Lord, who was one of those sleeping out commented, “This event provided an opportunity for all of us to understand something of the harsh conditions facing homeless people in Salisbury every night.  We are fortunate in being able to return to a warm house the next day, but others aren’t so lucky.  So many people have supported this event by turning up to sleep-out tonight, that it gives us great encouragement that we can all work together towards ending homelessness in the City.”

A short thought provoking service led by Cathedral Chancellor, Canon Edward Probert, was held before settling down for the night on the flagstones in sleeping bags on sheets of cardboard.  The gates of the Cloisters were locked at 11.30pm and remained so until 6.30am Saturday morning.

The Cathedral Refectory opened early to give everyone the chance to warm up with cups of tea and bacon rolls before departing.

The Mayor said, “I would like to thank all those who helped to make the event such a success.  We did gain an insight into the situation of the homeless, but we were grateful to be safe from the risk of violence.  We hope this Appeal will have a positive effect on the lives of vulnerable people in Salisbury.  We should raise nearly £10,000 and ask all those who have sponsored individuals to send their money to them for the ‘Mayor’s Appeal 2006-2007’ as soon as possible.”

The Sleep-out was timed to coincide with Homelessness Sunday (28th January) which is an annual date marked by events across the country.

- Ends -

For more information please contact Claire Sime or Yvonne Way on 01722 322882

Notes to Editors

Alabaré Christian Care Centres is a regional charity, providing a range of services including supported housing, floating support services, drop-in centres, information, advice and training services and a registered care home.  The charity works with the homeless, ex-offenders, young people, individuals with a learning difficulty, vulnerable women and people with drug and alcohol problems, aiming to assist them with realising their potential and becoming valued members of society.

The Salisbury Drop In Centre supports between 200 and 250 people each year. The Centre does not attract guaranteed statutory funding but is grateful for the limited grant it receives from Salisbury District Council.  The rest has to be raised each year from supporters, church and community groups, charitable trusts and businesses.

To find out more about Alabaré Christian Care Centres visit our website at www.alabare.co.uk

For more information about Homelessness Sunday visit

www.homelessness-sunday.org.uk