Sleeping rough to help highlight homelessness
It was a rather cold and uncomfy sleep for 37 souls on Friday evening, writes Abi Smillie.
Volunteers from Riverside Evangelical Church dusted down their sleeping bags, looked out the bobble hats and braved the hard pavement for one night.
The group spent a nine- hour shift out in their grounds to experience what it feels like to sleep rough - and to raise funds to help those affected by homelessness.
The church’s September Sleepout aimed to raise money for vital services provided by their main project, Care & Share.
Care & Share has been ongoing for 10 years and helps those in addiction or recovery from alcohol and drug issues and people affected by homelessness.
The project provides weekly drop- in sessions which supply a weekly meal and access to a range of professional services like housing support, benefit advice, community addiction nurses, counselling, personal support and more.
Organiser Bruce Bunten was on guard as a steward to watch over the team.
He said: “About 37 people took part. “The oldest was in his seventies and the youngest was about 13.
“The weather was okay - compared to what the weather has been it was quite a good night for it.
“I think some people struggled with it. “Some people managed to get some sleep and others didn’t.
“Pastor Ian slept really well- he was actually snoring at some points!
“You’re more aware of noises as I suppose your senses are heightened if you’re outside so you’re aware of what’s going on.
“I was one of the stewards, there was probably 10 people stewarding all night, so we didn’t get any sleep.
Bruce reminded the sleepout team and supporters that the fundraiser was a sad reality faced by many each night.
He added: “What we experienced is a reality for many every night - and not in such dry and calm circumstances with the added comforts we had to keep warm.”
“We had hot water bottles, extra bags and extra clothes but a lot of people don’t have that.
“They’ve just got a blanket and a bag so they don’t get a choice.
“And they’re sleeping out anywhere. “We were on duty to keep watch so they had people looking out for them.
“Whereas people who are sleeping out will always be on their guard in case someone comes and steals from them.
“Even as stewarding, standing around in the cold, it’s long - it’s just horrible.”
Riverside Church Pastor Ian Gall added: “The Sleepout went great on Friday.
“Money is still coming in but looks like we could have raised about £ 5,000.
“It will go a long way to helping folks out of homelessness and addiction and into healthier lifestyles contributing positively to the community.”
To further support the work of Care & Share, you can donate at: www. justgiving. com/ campaign/ rctseptembersleepout
Or for more information on the work of the project, visit: www. riverside- ayr. org/