A TOTAL of 100 fundraisers braved a cold, drizzly night outside the Eden Project biomes in Cornwall to raise much-needed money for two regional homelessness charities.

Bedding down on solid ground in paper sleeping bags, they experienced first-hand a little of the discomfort which people sleeping rough endure every night.

The fifth annual Sleep Out to be held at Eden once again directly supported St Petroc’s Society and the Amber Foundation.

Leaders of both charities praised the participants and said that the funds would make a vital difference to homeless people as winter approaches and in the year ahead.

The Amber Foundation has three residential centres across the South and South West, including one in Chawleigh, and helps unemployed homeless people aged 17-30 with a safe place and all the support and opportunities they need to transform their lives.

Last year the Foundation supported nearly 300 young people. The majority of those the charity helps move on to bright independent futures – a job, training or university place and most importantly a safe, secure home of their own.

For every young person who is helped by Amber, the Foundation has to raise an additional £5,000 to support them.

Those who took part in Sleep Out heard powerful stories of two young men whose lives have improved greatly with the help of Amber and from a Plymouth business woman whose son’s life was out of control until he was picked up by the charity.

Rebecca Fry, South West Fundraising Manager for the Amber Foundation, said: “This is my first Sleep Out and I have been blown away by it – really humbled by the support. People I’ve spoken to have a hunger to understand the root causes of homelessness and really listen to what people affected by it have to say.”

Rebecca said that this year’s Sleep Out was the best so far in terms of the number of people who were raising money for the foundation and the amount of money raised.

She added: “I want to thank everyone who supported us and the Eden Project for including us in this wonderful event.”

People from across Devon and Cornwall and from further afield took part in the event including students studying Business at Petroc college in Barnstaple who raised more than £500.

One of the students, Lisa Kepple, said “The evening was truly an amazing and inspirational experience. We were so pleased to support The Amber Foundation’s work with young people who are homeless providing them with the tools required to get back on their feet!”

Before bedding down, those taking part heard a series of talks, giving them many insights into the complex issues of homelessness and rough sleeping.

Sleep Out is part of a nationwide event organised by the End Youth Homelessness campaign (EYH), a national partnership of grassroots charities and companies.

Next year’s Sleep Out will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at the Eden Project.

If you would like to make a donation to support those who slept out for Amber please contact the Fundraising Manager, Rebecca Fry, on 01769 582020 or email: [email protected] . You can also visit their website: www.amberweb.org .