Homeless contribute to new children’s book

Rough sleepers in Canterbury have contributed to a children’s book about homelessness.

Called Harbledown Hope, the illustrated book was launched at homeless charity Catching Lives’ open centre in Station Road East on Tuesday.

It centres on the life of an urban fox called Harbledown.

Volunteer Sian Murray Williams said: “Catching Lives’ homeless clients, and other members of our local community, have written and illustrated a story for children based on the experiences of the homeless through the eyes of animals.

“The choice of the urban fox called Harbledown for the main character has been central to this. Right from the beginning this was a character that many can relate to and enables them to bring in their own experiences, the ups and downs of homeless life and the emotions and trauma endured by our community.”

Catching Lives has made a video about sleeping rough in Canterbury. See it at https:// tinyurl.com/catchinglives

Picture: Paul Amos FM4955261 Sam Higenbotham, whose artwork is featured on the cover