Lord Mayor given insight into rough sleeping at charity event

Published: 5 February 2020

Exeter Lord Mayor Peter Holland has been finding out what it’s like to sleep rough on the streets of the city.

The Lord Mayor attended The Big Sleep Out at Exeter City Football Club’s St James Park, where 80 people were raising money for charity Julian House and awareness of homelessness and rough sleeping.

Cllr Holland said: ''It has become clear to me that there is a crisis facing our country around homelessness and street attachment. 

“That said, the City of Exeter and, in particular, Julian House has an excellent record in dealing with this, giving advice and support. 

“The Night Shelter and outreach teams continue to act as a safety net for people who have fallen on hard times.  I am so grateful to Julian House which is committed to working with partner agencies and volunteers to improve the quality of life for those who find themselves homeless.   

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Julian House, their volunteers and fund raisers who work tirelessly to drive down homelessness in the city of Exeter and facilitate programs where the homeless can be integrated back into permanent accommodation and become more responsible for their own futures.''