Soap stars have night outdoors to boost charity
CO-OP BANK TO HIGHLIGHT HOMELESS’ PLIGHT
SOAP stars spent a night sleeping outdoors to raise money for youth homelessness charity Centrepoint.
Hollyoaks stars joined more than 100 staff from the Co-operative Bank during the Sleep Out at the iconic London Road Fire Station in Manchester city centre.
Sleepers bedded down in the unheated building and courtyard, loaned for the night by Allied London.
Long-standing Centrepoint ambassador Lisa Maxwell hosted the evening.
Hollyoaks cast members Jimmy Essex and Aisling Jarrett-Gavin read a bedtime story, and DJ and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Brandon Block performed a set to entertain sleepers before they bedded down for the night. Rapid Relief Team, an organisation which provides catering support to the community in disasters and emergencies, kept sleepers fed during the evening. Those that took part in Sleep Out experienced some of the stark realities of homelessness. The biting cold, the damp on a rainy night, the noise and the difficulty of carrying on the next day with little sleep, to enable them to understand some of the practical realities of being homeless. Melissa Foy, of The Co-operative Bank, said: “All of us at the bank are committed to helping Centrepoint tackle homelessness. “It affects so many young people across the city, and it’s great that so many of us took part in this event.
“It was cold and uncomfortable, but there was great team spirit on show.”
Funds raised will support Centrepoint’s work in Greater Manchester.
Co-operative Bank has so far raised a total of £130,000 for Centrepoint through a charity partnership.
Centrepoint’s regional fundraising manager Ben Bowden said: “Thank you to everyone who gave up their beds to raise money, and awareness of youth homelessness in Manchester.
“We’re facing a huge crisis in our city and it’s a scandal that in the 21st century there are still young people left with no option but to sleep rough.
“Our Sleep Out was a safe event, but in reality the streets are no place for a young person. The money raised last night will help give vulnerable young people the support they need to turn their lives around.”
For information visit https:// centrepoint.org.uk/get-involved/ sleep-out