Date: 26th November, 2021
A group of Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service fire cadets will be sleeping out next week to raise awareness of homelessness.
The cadets, based at Swindon fire station in Drove Road, will spend 13 hours between 7pm on Friday 3 December and 8am on Saturday 4 December in the drill yard.
Accompanied by their instructors, the cadets will be challenged to find a spot that protects them from the elements as much as possible and keeps them safe.
The ‘Big SleepOut’ is the cadets’ chosen social action project, and they will be fundraising for Threshold Housing Link.
Youth intervention coordinator Nicky Parker explained: “Winter is the most challenging time for those sleeping rough on our streets. A previous cadre of cadets formed a satellite sleepout for Threshold in 2019, and this year’s group wanted to do the same.
“While sleeping in the drill yard in no way represents what those living on the streets go through, it gives the cadets a greater understanding, allowing them to help spread the word to others. We also hope to raise a significant of money to help fund the Threshold outreach service that provides first aid, medical supplies, food, drink, clothing and shelter as a first response in Swindon – our local community.”
Cadet Benji said: ‘I am pleased to be taking part in the Big Sleep Out this year as it is a great opportunity to give back and support the community. We will be able to raise some money for Threshold to supply much needed supplies for people in the winter months.”
High Sheriff Cadet Iona added: ‘I am glad to get the opportunity to take part in another Big Sleep Out to help raise funds for Threshold, especially after the last two years everyone has had, and to help those who are living rough.”
Fire Cadets is a programme that supports the development of young people aged 12 to 18 by providing a positive role model and giving them opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities. Cadets learn new personal and social skills, and obtain a Level 2 BTEC qualification, the National Fire Cadet Level 1 Award and an AQA Award.
The programme is linked to the National Fire Cadet model, and is delivered by firefighters and fire and rescue service staff. Each course lasts for 38 weeks within the academic year, starting in September, and there are units in Swindon and Trowbridge. More information can be found at www.facebook.com/swinfirecadets
To support Swindon Fire Cadets as they raise awareness of homelessness in Swindon and raise money to support Threshold, please visit https://wonderful.org/fundraisers/254