Sleeping Out for the Benjamin Foundation

On November 15, Eaton Councillor James Wright will brave the elements to take part in the 2018 Benjamin Foundation Sleep Out at Carrow Road.

This is the 4th time the Benjamin Foundation have held this fundraising Sleep Out, and James has taken part since the beginning.

James was prompted to campaign to raise awareness of issues around homelessness and rough sleeping after seeing the short film - Homeless and Rough Sleeping in Norwich - back in 2012. The film contained a young girl talking about her experiences of rough sleeping, and only a couple of years previously she was a student at the school where James worked.

The Benjamin Foundation wants to end youth homelessness and are tackling the problem locally by providing a home and support to over 100 vulnerable young adults each night. They give the young people stability and support their education, training and careers and ensure they have life skills such as shopping, cooking and being able to budget their money so they can leave us to forge an independent life.

Cllr Wright commented, "I know that I am lucky. I can take part in the Sleep Out safe in the knowledge that I have a warm bed to return to, but there are so many young people that don't have that luxury."

He added, "The event is a great way to build awareness of the issue of homelessness in our region, whilst raising much-needed funds, which are used to deliver the work of the Benjamin Foundation to tackle youth homelessness in Norfolk."

If you can support James' Sleep Out and the work of the Benjamin Foundation, please donate at https://jwright.link/sleepout2018