Mayor and Deputy Mayor to join St Albans Sleepout
Brave the cold with the Mayor and Deputy Mayor at St Albans Sleepout on Friday 1 December to help raise money for charities that work to reduce homelessness.
There’s still time to sign up to sleep out for the night and raise funds for Open Door St Albans, Centre 33, Emmaus Hertfordshire and Herts Young Homeless.
Oaklands College has kindly offered to host the annual event this year as building works at St Albans Cathedral mean the abbey grounds are not available.
Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of the City and District of St Albans will be wrapping up warm for the Sleepout that runs from 9pm to 7am.
Last week Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jamie Day, joined the Chair of Open Door St Albans, Kerry Pollard, to test out equipment ahead of the Sleepout.
The Deputy Mayor said: “It was a damp day and the conditions reminded us of the terrible hardships that people who sleep rough have to endure every night. Help raise funds for charities working to reduce homelessness in our District by joining the Mayor and I on the St Albans Sleepout. If you are unable to come along to the Sleepout, then please show your support with a donation to one of the charities behind the event.”
The Mayor and Deputy Mayor have chosen to pledge funds they raise through sponsorship to local charity Open Door. Anyone wishing to sponsor the Mayor and Deputy Mayor can email mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk or donate online to Open Door at St Albans Sleepout for Open Door.
Open Door St Albans raises funds for the night shelter at Bricket Road and drop-in day centre that provides advice and support to the homeless.
Kerry Pollard, Chair of Open Door St Albans, said: “Our vision is to make sure people do not have to turn to sleeping rough in St Albans. The St Albans Sleepout is our annual fundraiser and we are running it in conjunction with Emmaus, Herts Young Homeless and Centre 33. We are still looking for fundraisers to sleep out for the night, so come along and get involved.”
If you are interested in joining the St Albans Sleepout find out more at www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544
Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
Email: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
https://www.stalbans.gov.uk/
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Notes:
Open Door St Albans
The local charity’s vision is to make sure people do not have to turn to sleeping rough in St Albans. The charity is focused on raising funds to support a night shelter and daytime drop-in centre for vulnerable people in St Albans. The night shelter provides accommodation for up to 12 people each night and provides them with a hot meal.
Centre 33
Centre 33 is a drop-in centre where homeless and socially or materially disadvantaged people in St Albans find a warm welcome, and can relax and enjoy a hot meal and the use of shower facilities. The centre aims to open every day of the year. On average 14 people visit each session, although there are over 20 people at some sessions.
Emmaus Hertfordshire
The charity helps supports people to work their way out of homelessness, providing meaningful work as well as a stable home for as long as someone needs it.
Herts Young Homeless
The charity works to prevent homelessness and has a range of free services open to all 16 – 24 year olds who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
Photos:
Above: Preparing for St Albans Sleepout: the Deputy Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr Jamie Day, and the Chair of Open Door St Albans, Kerry Pollard