On March 10th 2006, Miss Katie Tuson from Fleetwood Sports College organised a sponsored homeless sleep over. The event was organised in order to raise awareness of the problem of homelessness in the Fylde. Students were asked to volunteer to spend the evening from 8pm to 8am trying to imagine how it might feel to sleep rough.
The pupils were split into two groups (boys and girls) and led by a member of staff, each group engaged in various activities throughout the evening, including a visit to the ‘soup kitchen’. The students were allowed to bring with them warm clothing and their own sleeping bags. Cardboard boxes and old newspapers were supplied in order to make improvised beds, but no blankets or duvets were allowed – that would be cheating!
Our very own Support Manager Debbie Ellis and Support Co-ordinator Gail Murphy also got involved in the event and after spending 12 hours trying to imagine what life must be like living on the streets, students and staff were free to go home and enjoy the rest of their weekend – in the warmth.
£850.00 was raised from the evening and all proceeds have been kindly donated to The Ashley Foundation to help continue to accommodate and support our residents throughout the year. The Ashley Foundation would like to say a BIG thank you and well done to all those who took part in a very worthy cause.
Support Manager Debbie Ellis receiving the cheque
from Katie Tuson and pupils.
Drug and Alcohol dependency
is a nationwide problem which can affect many people. The misuse of drugs and
alcohol can also have a detrimental effect on health and social well being
within the local community.
This is a new comprehensive
and confidential service for drug and alcohol users combining both prevention
and treatment responses. The service will also offer one-to-one key work
sessions, which also will provide practical and emotional support to
individuals. Clients will be supported and encouraged to achieve their own
personal goals and develop new interests. It will enable residents to face the
reality of their dependency and promote the restoration of physical and
emotional health. This service will aim to bring hope and confidence to our
residents which will allow them to take control of their lives within a safe
and secure environment.
In essence it will mean that
as soon as a resident has been initially assessed by our Drug and Alcohol
Worker they can then be referred to the appropriate agency for treatment and
intervention. The faster this assessment can take place the faster the client
can receive the right level of support they require in order to tackle their
drug/alcohol dependency.
Penny Lake (pictured below) is the new Drug & Alcohol
worker and we hope Penny will enjoy her new role here at The Ashley Foundation.
