Brian Cowie, chief executive of CATH raise cash

In bid to help vulnerable

I had people say it’s only once you’re out there you realise just how uncomfortable and unsafe it feels. It was difficult for people to close their eyes when they’re not locking a door behind them

vulnerability. People need to be aware that we still have to deal with these issues – just on a smaller scale than the big cities.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to get themselves out of homelessness, because these people have a lot to offer if they just got the opportunity.

“Homelessness and vulnerability is not going away, and it is important that we raise this issue.”

All of the money raised from the sleep out will be spent within the local area, including at their eight-bed accommodation unit on Shore Road, and at their day centre.

CATH’s day centre offers low-cost meals, laundry and shower facilities as well as information and advice for those in need.

The charity is also able to run projects at the day centre to help improve an individual’s personal development, literacy and numeracy.

Brian is keen to make sure that as many people as possible get involved in this year’s sleep out.

He continued: “The funding helps us to put on all sorts of projects.

“We are hoping to start a boxing programme.

“There is a correlation between homelessness and substance abuse, but guys who habitually use substances are not allowed to take part in the boxing training.

“That will encourage them not to use the day before, so it will create a barrier between them and substance misuse, and the further we can extend that, the nearer they get to recover.

“Although we are a small operation, it was very well supported last year.

“But I don’t want that to shrink and disappear.

“I know that there are large events in Edinburgh, and one is planned this year in Dundee.

“I know Brian Soutar put on free buses to support the sleep out in Edinburgh, but a lot of them probably didn’t know there was one here and we don’t want people to miss ours.”

Those interested in taking part can turn up to registration at 7.30pm on the night (Wednesday, November 21), or contact Andrea on 01738 633077 or enquiries@cath-org.co.uk