Kip on the Kop aims to raise awareness of the plight of Wirral’s homeless, and much needed funds to enable Wirral Ark and six other organisations to continue to provide their services
Wirral’s homeless organisations are asking people to spend the night at Tranmere Rovers’ Prenton Park stadium in an attempt to fill the Kop stand, raising essential funds for homeless services in the borough.
Kip on the Kop, on Friday, October 5, aims to raise awareness of the plight of Wirral’s homeless, and much needed funds to enable Wirral Ark and six other organisations to continue to provide their services.
Experiencing one night sleeping in the Kop will not replicate the nightly experiences of those sleeping rough, but will hopefully bring some appreciation and empathy for the homeless community.
At a time when the rough sleeping national total has risen by 169%, with the North West of England showing the biggest percentage increase, the work of organisations such as Wirral Ark have become more important than ever.
Research from Crisis indicates that 62% of single homeless people are hidden, while the average age of death of those who die on the streets or while resident in homeless accommodation is 45, compared to 77 for the general population.
Registration is £10 per person and you must be aged 18+ to participate. Each participant must raise a minimum of £50 in sponsorship. Registration is at www.kiponthekop.com
Wirral Ark works at the sharp-end of frontline services by providing crisis and preventative support to some of the most disadvantaged homeless people who are pushed to the margins of our community.
They provide a safe place to stay whilst ensuring people get the support needed to turn their lives around. Services include a health clinic for rough sleepers, alcohol project for street drinkers, training and activity centre to support people to regain lost skills and confidence, and projects to support social inclusion and community re-engagement.
Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios said: “Tranmere Rovers is a football club that is rooted in its community and we wholeheartedly support this event. It is a great way of creating an awareness of this important issue as well as helping raise much needed funds for these charities that help and support so many people across the borough.”