On Friday 15th October, members of Templebreedy Group of Parishes spent the night sleeping outdoors in support of Focus Ireland’s Shine A Light Night National ‘Sleep Out’. Focus Ireland is a national charity working with families, children and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. They have over 70 projects across Ireland providing warm meals, practical support and education along with safe and secure housing. 

The Rev. Isobel Jackson said: 

Across Ireland, 925 families including 2,193 children are currently without a home. By taking part in Shine A Light Night we are helping to build awareness, support and raise vital funds for Focus Ireland and their work to end homelessness, and help the most vulnerable people in our communities.

In 2020, support for Shine A Light Night allowed Focus Ireland to move 883 families out of homelessness. Their aim is to support 5,000 households out of homelessness by 2025. 

You can donate to Templebreedy’s fundraiser here.

Photographs were taken by Simon Woodworth.