Volunteers take to the streets to highlight plight of the homeless

More than 40 people sleep rough to help raise cash for charity

As temperatures plunged in Perth a band of hardy volunteers swapped their beds for the pavement to highlight the plight of the homeless.

More than 40 people took part in the rough sleeping event organised by Churches Action for the Homeless (CATH) to raise much-needed funds and to promote understanding of the reasons why people end up on the streets.

Provost Liz Grant lent her support and visited the teams last night as they gathered outside St John’s Kirk before

trying to get some sleep. “The purpose of this event is to raise general awareness of homelessness and help fundraise for local charity CATH,” said Ron Hog of CATH, who organised the event, a first for Perth.

“We are not attempting to match the sense of danger, hopelessness and hunger, which afflicts many homeless people.

“No matter if there is sleet or snow, we will rough it out, it is thankfully only for one night for us.”

Tea and coffee was available in the kirk to help keep people warm and marshals and first aiders were also on hand.

Local businesses brought food along for the participating teams from Asda, Marks and Spencer, CATH and Perth and Kinross Council, and the charity said they were grateful to everyone who had lent their support to the initiative.

CATH offer support with accommodation through CATH House as well as supporting a day centre, adult literacy and outreach services, together with volunteer and befriending programmes.

The charity also runs a shop on Perth High Street.

For the year up to March, CATH House had provided support for 60 people while the floating support team helped 46 others to maintain their tenancies and develop independent living skills.

The day centre provided a base for 337 people requiring support and provided nearly 6,000 meals throughout the year.

Volunteers are a mainstay of the charity and they provided more than 4,500 hours of assistance to the organisation.

No matter if there is sleet or snow, we will rough it out, it is thankfully only for one night for us. RON HOG

Picture: Phil Hannah. Perth Provost Liz Grant, centre, visits those sleeping outside St John’s Kirk, from left, Edith O’Brien, Edith Hannah, Colin McIntosh and Craig Angus.