A Wyevale Nurseries employee will take part in a sleep out next month to raise money for a homeless charity.

Sara Bowie, a despatch and stock controller, will join in the annual fundraiser in Bristol on 14 November in aid of 1625 Independent People (1625ip).

The 55-year-old, who lives in Norton Canon but grew up in Bristol, said: “1625ip is a Bristol based charity that has been supporting homeless 16-25-year-olds for more than 30 years. It works with around 2,000 young people in the south west every year.

“This will be the second time I am taking part in the sleep out. It will take place at the Lloyds Amphitheatre on Explore Lane in Bristol. Having spent a night last year sleeping rough it gave me the smallest taste of what it’s like for someone who has to sleep out in the cold.

“1625ip give these young people options to learn skills, find somewhere to live, help with mental health issues, soft skills and job opportunities. I am asking the horticulture industry to help me to help them. People can donate anything, even the price of a coffee. It all goes to help this great charity and our wish to eradicate homelessness from our streets.

“£10 provides an hour of mental health support, £20 pays for a young person to attend a life skills session and £50 funds a start-up kit to help them on their way to living independently.  We need to break the circle of homelessness and help these vulnerable young people.”

1625ip provides essential services to young people and partners with agencies across the South West so together they can change lives. 

The charity offers a broad range of care for young people from securing homes, teaching life-skills, offering advice, helping access training and job opportunities. Its aim is to help young people to live happily and independently.