Kip on the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop returns for a second successive year on Friday night, and Tranmere Rovers Vice-Chairman Nicola Palios says it is important that homelessness on the Wirral is highlighted, with today being World Homeless Day.
Starting at 6pm at Prenton Park, Kip on the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop, which has been organised by Wirral Ark alongside Tranmere Rovers In the Community, will raise funds and awareness for the homeless on the Wirral.
Tranmere Rovers have worked closely alongside Wirral Ark in order for Kip on the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop to take place.
The percentage of people sleeping rough throughout the country has risen by 169% and given that the North West region has the biggest impact, and it is a cause that needs more awareness in the local area.
Nicola is participating in Friday’s event and she hopes that the positives from the sleepout can be carried on into this year, with almost £1,000 raised already.
Nicola said: “It was a success last year, there were dozens of people who did it, so it seemed the right thing to do it again this year and carry on the good work.
“I didn’t do it last year, I wasn’t around, I had another engagement, but this year I thought I need to do it myself, I think it is important to show support and get involved myself.
“We are closing in on £1,000 now which I am really delighted at. I’ve had some really generous donations from some people.
“It’s not an easy thing to do. It is going to be cold and uncomfortable, whilst I hope people have a bit of fun doing it, it is important that people get a sense of daily reality is for people who are homeless.”
Thursday is World Homeless Day, alongside World Mental Health Day, and Nicola explained the links between the two, and that raising awareness is vital.
World Homeless Day takes place on 10th October every year, to raise the issue around the globe.
She added: “Today is World Homeless Day, but it is also World Mental Health Day, and I think that the link between those two, it’s quite apposite that they have ended up on the same day, because it becomes a vicious cycle, as if you are in poor mental health, you are more likely to become homeless.
“It’s a real difficult position that people can find themselves in, there are people who through absolutely no fault of their own, end up in a series of situations that can lead to that, and it is important that we think about it, and try and help.”
To find out more about World Homeless Day, CLICK HERE.
Please contact fundraising@wirralark.org.uk to find out more and to sign up to Kip on the Argyle Satellite Taxis Kop.