Sleepover to help homeless

A SPONSORED sleepover event will take place in Widnes to raise awareness of homelessness and mental health.

Nightstop Communities North West (NCNW) will host the initiative at St Paul’s Church on Victoria Road overnight on Friday, June 30.

It will run from 7pm to 8am.

The not-for-profit organisation provides safe and secure emergency accommodation for young people who are homeless aged from 16 to 25.

It also provides free mental health support services including counselling, anger management and mediation.

The organisation has groups for women and one for men which is still being developed within Halton, Warrington and Knowsley.

Chief executive Terri Kearney said: “We ask that people come and support the event and raise awareness of the issues of homelessness and mental health.

“We hope local organisations will come and promote their services on the night by bringing their promotional leaflets.

“Come and have a table promoting the fabulous work you do in the local community to support people who may be facing challenges within their lives.

“Be a part of the sleepover as a sponsored event or even pitch a tent and help us promote the need for our services in the local areas.”

Services and activities provided by NCNW – a Halton Business Awards 2017 finalist – includes emergency and supported accommodation immediately available for vulnerable homeless young people.

The organisation also has an in-house mental health, wellbeing and wellness service providing counselling, anger management and mediation support to young beneficiaries and their immediate families.

It also has a support network involving more than 50 partner and collaborative agencies, a property pathway programme for young people aimed at registered social landlords, private landlords and hostel providers, which has increased the opportunities for young people securing permanent accommodation.