Spend a night outside in cold and help to raise money

VOLUNTEERS are wanted to spend a night outside to help raise vital funds to help homeless people.

Now in its seventh year, Arch's annual sleepout will take place at Swan Bank Methodist Church, in Burslem, on Friday, January 22.

To help people understand the realties of homelessness, they will sleep outside between 10pm and 6am, and are advised to wrap up and bring a comfortable, warm sleeping bag.

This has traditionally been a fun event with refreshments served throughout the night for those too cold to sleep. The sleepout has always been well supported and last year's event raised more than £5,000.

Matt Plant, Arch's trainee marketing and fund-raising assistant, said: "This year many people have found things to be especially tough as the ongoing recession bites even deeper. As a result, Arch has seen a dramatic increase in requests for help and support.

"Because of this we need more people than ever to take part, sponsor and support the ongoing work of Arch."

For those who prefer to stay active to keep warm, Arch is linking into the city's centenary celebrations by organising a Six Towns One City sponsored midnight walk.

Starting the walk in Tunstall at midnight on January 22, the route will take in each of the towns that make up the city of Stoke-on-Trent, finishing in Longton with a breakfast.

Arch is a registered charity which operates throughout Staffordshire and provides accommodation-related support services to homeless people and people at risk of becoming homeless.

The aim of the organisation is to support people to achieve and maintain their own homes, and to become fully integrated members of the community.

If you would like to take part in either of these events, or require additional information, contact Matt on 01782 204479. Alternatively, email fundraising@archnorthstaffs.org

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