Churches take part in ‘Big Snore’ to help the homeless
 
Churches across the county will be playing their part in supporting the marginalised during this year’s national Poverty & Homelessness Action Week (which runs 29th January-6th February 2011).
 
Members of local churches are being encouraged to organise fundraising events, links with local projects, guest speakers, sermons, services and prayers, with one church planning its annual ‘sleep-out’.
 
Chair of the House of Laity for Southwell & Nottingham Diocesan Synod (representing church members across all the Anglican churches in Nottinghamshire), Mrs Pam Bishop said: “This is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the extent of homelessness in the county, to inform church and community members about how people become homeless, who the homeless are, and how organisations like Framework can help.”
 
At Pam’s own church, St Mark’s in Mansfield, people will be taking part in the Big Snore on Friday 4th February, which is a sleep out event set up to raise funds for the homeless. This year funds will be given to local charity for homeless and vulnerable people - Framework. In 2010, just over 50 people took part raising over £10,000.  Pam explained: “We have 75 people registered, including youth groups, families, and individuals of all ages. We serve supper at 10pm, followed by a short time to listen to personal stories and reflect on homelessness, before everyone goes out into the car park to set up camp. There will be a full English breakfast available from 6.30am on Saturday, along with presentation of certificates, thanks, farewells and come again next year. There is a great sense of camaraderie over night with people helping each other, talking about how they feel to sleep out, and trying to keep warm and rest. Some young folk last time reported apologetically that ‘we have really enjoyed ourselves’ but went on to add ‘we can go home to a hot shower and warm duvet and not doing this again tonight’.  The severe weather this winter, the funding cuts and ongoing personal problems encountered by some members of our community mean that it is even more important to make homelessness visible, challenge prejudices and raise money to support Framework services.“
 
 
Framework Action Week also coincides with the national action week. In 2010, Framework helped almost 7,000 homeless and vulnerable people in Nottinghamshire alone. The charity are also providing an opportunity for people to visit a variety of different Framework services to gain a deeper understanding of their work to tackle local homelessness and help the vulnerable. Anyone who would like to attend a guided visit should contact: Marianne Knight, email: marianne.knight@frameworkha. org or 0115 970 9515.

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