Fundraisers to sleep rough in aid of homeless

Homeless charity Framework is organising the Lincolnshire Big Snore, which will take place at Venture House, on Endeavour Park, on Friday, February 24, at 7.30pm.

Framework’s operations manager for Lincolnshire, Sandra Blow said: “Homelessness is increasing across the country and across Lincolnshire due in particular to changes in the benefits system, funding cuts and the national housing shortage.

“We provide accommodation and support to hundreds of people in Lincolnshire each year and help more than 60 in the Boston area alone.

“Homelessness is a devastating experience and it can be hard for people to recover without the right kind of support which we provide.

“Our work is supported by Lincolnshire County Council, however the high level of need means that additional funding raised from the public is very welcome.

Framework helps more than 400 people each year across Lincolnshire.

The Big Snore is also the final event in the Lincolnshire Co-op’s three month programme of support for organisations and activities tackling homelessness across the county.

Framework’s events and community officer Abigail Mayfield said: “The Big Snore is a chance to experience for one night what rough sleepers endure every night. By 3am we find people are grateful to have a warm bed to go home to, and we hope lots of people will want to sleep out so others don’t have to.

In the early part of the evening there will be entertainment from local musicians, fun activities, warm food, and even a ‘Box Factor’ competition to find the most imaginative shelter.”

Entry is £10 for adults, or £5 for people aged 5-16 years. People under 18 must be accompanied by an adult who must complete an online form. The deadline is Friday, February 17, and each participant is asked to raise a minimum of £50.

For further details visit www.frameworkha.org/lincolnshirebigsnore