Paul O’Grady and The Bill’s Lisa Maxwell, joined Anthony Lawton, Centrepoint chief executive, and 50 fund raisers who braved a night on London’s streets to help raise funds to support the charity’s work over the Christmas period.
Forty years on to the month from Cathy Come Home, the TV drama that first highlighted the issue of homelessness, youth homelessness in particular remains a big issue.
The Sleep Out began in Leadenhall Market at 9pm and guests were invited to bed down by 11.30pm.
Sleepers included staff from clothing retailer, Gap; Drivers Jonas – property consultants; Morgan Stanley; and representatives from Land Aid, a charity set-up by the property sector and with whom Centrepoint will be working over the next few years on a range of initiatives and projects.
Anthony Lawton, Centrepoint chief executive, said: “I am grateful to all our fund raisers who slept out and demonstrated their commitment to support homeless young people at this time of year.
"I am particularly indebted to Paul O’Grady for coming down to boost morale and whose show has provided a valuable opportunity to highlight the issue of homelessness and the plight of young people especially.
"Lisa Maxwell is also a long-time Centrepoint supporter and her involvement and passion for what we do is hugely appreciated.”
As part of The New Paul O’Grady show’s homelessness feature, Stuart Cox, an ex-Centrepoint resident, was interviewed live by Paul on his Wednesday show.
He was quizzed about the problem of youth homelessness, the issues that lead young people to become homeless and his own personal experiences, and the way Centrepoint helped him re-build his self-esteem and confidence.
Sleep Out is the start of Centrepoint’s fund raising efforts in the build-up to Christmas.
This will include an official launch of the charity’s Countdown to Christmas Appeal which aims to raise over £200,000 to fund the charity’s London services over the festive season.
For most young homeless people, Christmas is a time of loneliness, when they feel their isolation intensely.
Winter cold can make homeless young people even more susceptible to ill health and the apparent 'kind' offers by dangerous people.
Across London 800 homeless young people sleep securely in Centrepoint accommodation every night. Throughout the year, Centrepoint provides more than a roof.
It offers specialist counselling, education advice, IT, cookery and budgeting training and help in getting a job.
There's a couple more articles with pictures on the Centrepoint website. I think it's great how Paul's been actively supporting Centrepoint on his show, they do so much good work.
Paul if you read this i would just like to say that what you did for centre point was brilliant and you have really inspired me. You really do have a heart of gold and i really admire you for helping centre point. you truly are a star so well done
I've read about this and as Paul would say, I take my hat off to him. Good for him doing that. They're raising awareness on the show and Paul even carries it on not on the show. Proves what a good, real person he is.
Paul you are brilliant as you say there by the grce of God go i it is great you highlighting it on your show but not only that what you do for them too
I'm member no 8 of paul o grady fan club# The King of chat lizina
Well Done Paul!! I am volunteering at my local homeless night shelter over christmas. After seeing the people on Pauls show, i wanted to help out.
''Lifes to short to clean up'-"Paul O'Grady" 'We were poor, but we were shoplifters'-"Lily Savage" "We Want Muffin, Muffin the Mule"-'Paul O'Grady "Hello Bust, you alright Fella"-'Paul O'Grady' 'Shes not only barking up the wrong tree, shes in the wrong forrest'-"Paul O'Grady"
Have I missed something here cos didnt know anything about this until it was posted on here. Did Paul mention it on the show, Im sure I havent missed it but havent been well with the flu so perhaps havent been listening.
Have I missed something here cos didnt know anything about this until it was posted on here. Did Paul mention it on the show, Im sure I havent missed it but havent been well with the flu so perhaps havent been listening.
seaslug if you go on the centre point website it has loads about it on there
Thanks Pog. I was mystified that Paul didnt say anything. There again he cant mention everything he does on his show. I suppose it could come across as Look at What I do and he doesnt seem to be like that at all.
Originally posted by seaslug: Have I missed something here cos didnt know anything about this until it was posted on here. Did Paul mention it on the show, Im sure I havent missed it but havent been well with the flu so perhaps havent been listening.
hi seaslug! how are you now? hope you are feeling better - take care xxx
number 5 of the Paul o Grady Fan club!!! #5 of the mindless crew on the Games forum! there are no strangers here, just friends that you haven't yet met *.*.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.♥•.♥.•°♪°•.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.♥.•°♪°•.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.♥•°♪ °•.♥.·:*¨¨*:·.♥•° ♪°•.♥.•°•.♥.♥.·:¨·.♥
