Sam Ellis and her daughter Molly join Framework’s Big Sleep-Out to help raise money to support the homeless.
“On a chilly November evening last year, a small group of us from East Bridgford gave up our cosy warm beds to sleep on the streets for one night. We joined hundreds of others taking part in The Big Sleep-Out – a hugely successful fund-raising event organised by the charity Framework, which encourages everyday people to “sleep out so others don’t have to”.
“Armed with sleeping bags, mats and lots of thermals we headed to Sneinton Market Square and built accommodation for the night out of cardboard and a groundsheet.
“There was a buzz of activity around us and the early evening was fun and exciting. There were lots of lovely people also building their shelter from boxes and we chatted away with each other – all united by the desire to raise money for this worthy cause.
“But as darkness fell and we tried to settle in to our surroundings the stark reality of the long night ahead set in. It was cold and damp, and the concrete was hard and uncomfortable. We planned on sleep but there was actually very little chance and as I lay looking up at the clock tower I watched every hour drag by.
“The morning couldn’t come quickly enough and at six o’clock we dismantled our shelter, packed up our belongings and headed home for a hot shower, clean clothes and a hearty breakfast.
“We’re pleased we did it, but the reality is that our one night of ‘homelessness’ -shared with friends, dressed in all the appropriate clothing and having eaten well beforehand – is only a tiny fraction of what others are faced with on a nightly basis.”
Framework is a regional charity working to stop people from becoming homeless and helping those who already are. Homelessness today is mainly a result of unemployment, illness or the breakdown of a relationship. Faced with losing their home, many simply bury their head in the sand and often support comes too late. Through its work, Framework helps individuals who otherwise have nowhere to turn and no one to talk to. They work on the basis of prevention, providing practical advice and legal help as well as someone to talk to, a warm place to get a shower, a cup of tea and training for that all important job interview.
Sam, Molly and their friends’ ‘Big Sleep-Out’ raised approximately £400, with the overall figure raised for the charity being £30,000 for the night.
If you would like to find out more about Framework, or to make a donation visit www.frameworkha.org.