Unresolved grief is one of the many reasons that people can become homeless.  A loved one dies and people’s lives can suddenly spiral out of control through no fault of their own and grief doesn’t always happen immediately.  We are all different and we all grieve differently.  Grief affects the homeless just as much as it does anyone else and it is important the homeless are supported both at end of life and through bereavement.

Following the death of my daughter in 2008 I struggled with grief and I know that were it not for very timely support, my own life could have spiraled out of control.

In my role as Community Engagement Manager for St Giles Hospice I have worked collaboratively with staff at the YMCA on understanding bereavement, so that they can support people in their communities dealing with loss.

Creating Compassionate Communities is a core part of the St Giles work and working in partnership with amazing organisations like the YMCA helps the compassionate communities to grow.   To highlight end of life care and bereavement support of the homeless, I have decided to take part in this year’s sleep out at the Pirelli Stadium.

So, on Saturday 11th November I will be spending the night in a cardboard box to help highlight the collaborative work of the YMCA and St Giles Hospice.  I’m also intending to tweet throughout the night.

I do have a Virgin Giving page where people can donate to support the work of the YMCA.  This is http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/tyredatthepirelli

Compassionate Communities require people coming together and the work of St Giles and the YMCA at Burton is a great example of that.