A HARDY group of fundraisers braved the cold overnight at Exeter City Football Club to raise vital funds for people facing homelessness in the city.

The group, who slept on the hard floor of the stadium’s Big Bank, have raised more than £5,500.

The funds will support the work of the Football Club’s partner charity, Exeter City Community Trust, and its Supported Housing programme, which helps people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness rebuild their lives, maintain tenancies and move towards independence.

Ed Leppard, event organiser, said: “It’s been fantastic to see such a positive response to the Big Sleep Out.

“We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part and to all those who donated - your support makes a real difference. The funds raised will help us continue delivering our Supported Housing programme, providing vital support to people rebuilding their lives.

“Our Supported Housing programme provides safe accommodation, guidance and practical support to help people rebuild their lives, and events like this are vital in helping us continue that work.”

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, there were 51 people sleeping rough in Exeter on the night of November 12 last year - the highest number recorded since the ‘snapshot’ count began in 2010.

This places Exeter among the top five local authorities in England, with a rate of 36.8 people sleeping rough per 100,000 population.

Many more people are vulnerably housed and at risk of homelessness. Since launching its Supported Housing programme in 2021, Exeter City Community Trust has provided intensive one-to-one support to individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, all of whom are either homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Find out more online by visiting: www.exetercct.org.