Five young people from from a specialist care unit braced freezing temperatures last week in a ‘Big Sleep Out’ raising hundreds of pounds for vulnerable young people and families throughout Scotland.

Accompanied by staff, young people from Kibble’s Jura care house on Goudie Street, part of its Secure Care service, raised almost £900 for Action For Children by camping out on the Safe Centre grounds, kept going with homemade meals, games and music.

Kibble provides care and support for young people who, in many cases, have experienced trauma in their lives.

Due to adverse experiences, the young people accessing Kibble’s Safe Centre (aged 12-18) require a specialist and highly supportive level of care and support.

The money raised by Kibble’s young people will be donated to Action for Children which provides practical and emotional care and support for children, young people and families throughout the UK.

Despite temperatures dropping to below zero, there was a warmth of spirit amongst the group of five pupils and six staff who enjoyed sharing jokes, stories and tucking into a homemade beef stew until they saw sunrise.

One young person, said: “I really enjoyed the sleepout and it was fun. It was very cold but it was nice and warm in my sleeping bag. I feel sorry for homeless people.”

Gary Peebles, Acting Head of Operations at Kibble, said: “The young people at our Safe Centre decided they wanted to do something for Action For Children since many have previously received support from the charity.

"They planned everything meticulously, even starting a Just Giving page where, so far, they have raised almost £900 in much needed funds for the vulnerable families and children the charity supports.

“It was a great laugh, despite some cold toes, and goes to show the generosity of spirit our young people have here at Kibble despite having faced similar challenges in their own lives.”

Paul Carberry, Action for Children Director, commented: “We were very touched by the fundraising efforts from the young people at Kibble and the money generated from their Big Sleep Out will go directly towards helping the children and young people Action for Children support.

“It is amazing to see these young people going to such lengths to give back to Action for Children. Choosing to sleep out in those freezing conditions illustrates the resolve and dedication to helping others in need.

"On behalf of everyone at Action for Children, I would like to commend the young people for their efforts and say a huge thank you!”

To show your support for Kibble’s Big Sleep Out donate via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jurahouse1

To find out more about Kibble, visit https://www.kibble.org/

*Young people are anonymised to protect their identity.

ENDS

Issued by BIG on behalf of Kibble. For more information, please contact Olivia Gibbons on 07710 305 352 / kibble@bigpartnership.co.uk