Public Services staff and students brave the cold to raise money for charity

Public Service staff and students from Walsall College took to the grounds of the iconic Birmingham Cathedral for the annual St Basil Sleep Out, raising funds so young people can sleep safe in the West Midlands.

25 staff and students took part in the event, which took place on 24th November from 6pm to 6am.

Armed with warm clothing and a sense of humour, participants were given a cardboard box and a plastic sheet, which would become their home for the evening.

Over 500 people across the West Midlands came together on the coldest night of the year and – through song and dance – kept spirits high.

St Basil Sleep Out is a major fundraiser for the Birmingham charity, which aims to prevent youth homelessness in the West Midlands.

St Basil advises and assists over 5,000 young people at risk of homelessness each year and currently houses 1,200 people. The charity aims to break the cycle of homelessness, and the money raised from the Sleep Out event will go towards supporting its services.

Adam Comery, Curriculum Manager in Public Services at Walsall College, said: “This is the first time Public Services students have taken part in the St Basil’s Sleep Out.

At Walsall College, we put a strong emphasis on enabling our students to develop the understanding and knowledge students they need to excel in the sector they choose to enter.

Every element of the Uniformed Public Services have a link with the homeless, and giving our students a greater insight into the trials and tribulations of those who sleep rough on our streets will prepare them for employment within the public service sector.

It is an extremely worthy cause, which offers vulnerable young people the opportunity to access support and accommodation.”