Take on the 10-mile challenge for charity
AS THE PANDEMIC CONTINUES TO CAUSE UNEMPLOYMENT TO RISE HOMELESSNESS CHARITY FEARS MORE PEOPLE WILL END UP ON THE STREETS
A HOMELESSNESS charity in Nottingham fears a new generation of rough sleepers may well be a consequence of the coronavirus pandemic as unemployment gets “higher and higher”.
Framework’s chief executive, Andrew Redfern, says roughly two new faces are being found on the streets of the city every week, on top of an average of 24 people currently sleeping rough today.
As a result of new faces on the streets as people lose their jobs and relationships breakdown during the pandemic, those who need consistent, wrap-around support may also begin to suffer, with the charity’s resources even now being “overstretched”.
Therefore, to counter this, Framework recently teamed up with the Post for the launch of its Homeless to Home campaign.
It is now encouraging you to take part in its Homeless To Home Challenge, after the annual sleep out was cancelled due to the coronavirus and resulting Tier Three lockdown.
Framework’s street outreach teams – who go out at 5am every day to offer those on the streets support – roughly walk around 10 miles or more each shift.
The charity is therefore asking people to try and replicate this, or any distance they please, by cycling, running, walking or swimming to raise money for the cause.
Richard Oskwarek, operations manager for the Employment and Skills service, says he will be attempting to cycle 10 miles every day throughout November.
Speaking about why, he says since March – the beginning of the national lockdown – the services he managed have helped secure employment for 110 people.
However, he said that unemployment in Nottinghamshire is simply “getting higher and higher”.
“As time has gone on unemployment is getting higher and higher, and given the announcement of Tier Three, it is a concern,” the 36-year-old, of Mapperley, said.
“My service is one of the four main pillars of support at Framework. We have got a range of programmes for people looking to move back into sustainable employment.
“I see it as part of the resettlement process from homelessness, and as much a provision thing as it is a prevention thing for a person experiencing problems down the line.
“We recently been given a contract through the DWP, supporting people that have fallen out of work in the last three months.
“We were concerned about people not being able to find jobs, but back in April there were lots of roles in supermarkets, care homes and warehouses, because at the time we needed them to respond to the pandemic.
“But now we are seeing a rise in unemployment.
“That’s why the Homeless To Home campaign is so important.
“I’m hoping to cover 10 miles a day throughout November to cover 300 miles. You do not have to do a marathon, that was the big appeal to me that I could base the challenge around my work and family life.
“I’m also a big believer in the importance of being physically and mentally healthy, so it is great for that.”
Head of fundraising and communications, Claire Eden, said people can complete the challenge anywhere, any time and at their own pace between November 1 and November 30, walking, running, rollerskating on their own or in a time for any distance.
She added: To make the event more fun – and a little bit competitive – there will be a fundraising leader board for both individuals and teams, and we will be presenting trophies to the top fundraisers.
“We want everyone to raise a minimum of £150 but will be giving a free T-shirt to everyone when they raise their first £50.”
You do not have to do a marathon, that was the big appeal to me
Richard Oskwarek, operations manager