Around 80 hardy fundraisers bedded down in the cold night air at the Eden Project last night (Nov 10) to raise vital cash for homelessness charities.
For the last eight years in November Eden has hosted a mass one-night Sleep Out outside the Biomes, raising awareness and tens of thousands of pounds for homelessness charities St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation.
Those taking part did their best to get some sleep underneath the canopy of the Link Building using only sheets of cardboard and their own sleeping bags for warmth and comfort.
The event comes at a time when the two charities say they are seeing a rapid rise in referrals, in particular among young people facing more complex issues, especially with their mental health.
Dan James, Eden’s Development Director, said: "Once again we congratulate all participants for making it through the night and thank them for supporting the vital work the Amber Foundation and St Petrocs do for so many people.
"The awareness and funds raised at the Eden Sleep Out really do make a big difference.
"We look forward to hosting the Eden Sleep Out once again in 2023, for what will be our milestone 10th year, and we hope to see as many faces as possible, old and new, taking part."
Rebecca Fry, Amber’s Fundraising Manager, said: "We are so delighted to be involved in the Eden Sleep Out once again this year.
"It’s a really wonderful event highlighting a very serious issue that people young and old are facing on the streets right now.
"We’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported and attended and the wonderful Eden team for putting on another excellent event.
"The money raised is hugely important to us and it is crucial that we continue to highlight this issue."
Henry Meacock, Chief Executive of St Petrocs, said: "What a fantastic evening we had last night with Eden putting on another fabulous event.
"I'd like to say a sincere thank you to everyone who slept out to raise awareness and much needed funds.
"Thank you.
"The fundraising from the evening will go directly to support our emergency accommodation service this winter.
"Homelessness is a human rights crisis. It can be resolved and it can be prevented.
"It is wonderful to see the community coming together at events like the Sleep Out to be part of the solution.
"Together, we will work to end homelessness in Cornwall."
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