Worksop: Pupils sleep rough at college

Charitable pupils at a school in Worksop spent the night sleeping rough to raise nearly £200 for a charity that helps homeless people.

Three year seven pupils at Worksop College Prep School, Jessica Ratcliffe, Harriet Brown and Olivia Truscott arranged the night, in aid of homeless charity, Shelter.

Shelter is a charity that works to alleviate the distress caused by homelessness and bad housing, for thousands of people across the UK. It does this by giving advice, information and advocacy to people in housing need, and by campaigning for lasting political change to end the housing crisis for good.

The girls arranged the date and timings for the night on behalf of their year group.

Nearly 25 pupils took part and passed the time by completing a food-based scavenger hunt, team games and keeping warm by the camp fire whilst raising spirits with songs, stories and word games.

The three girls’ aim was to let pupils experience first-hand what homeless people go through every night, as well as raise money by charging pupils for the challenge.

Jessica said: “I was really pleased with how many pupils came - we weren’t expecting that many. I never expected to raise nearly £200.”

Harriet said: “We managed to balance the fun with some hardship. It was a great evening.”

Olivia added: “I thought it was a fun evening, but we also put out the message that being a homeless person is very different to the lives we live.”

The organisers were grateful to Asda for donating food for breakfast and the girls raised over £150 on the night. This,combined with money they raised from selling cakes to visitors at the School’s Open Morning, took their total to nearly £200.

Another sleep out also took place in the town at the weekend at by 7 Project at the Gospel Hall.

12 people took part, including nine clients who use the 7 Project community drop-in facilities.

They have raised around £400 so far through sponsorship.

7 Project leader, Shaun Cummings, said: “One person who took part was actually homeless.”

“Homelessness in Worksop is hidden, I hope events like this create awareness.”

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