On 12 June, more than 100 colleagues from across The Calico Group will be travelling to Keswick to take on a 10-mile walk, raising money for Nightsafe in Blackburn.
We’ve chosen Nightsafe as our group charity this year because of the difference they make to young people facing homelessness, often at a point when everything feels uncertain and out of control.
They support 16 to 24-year-olds who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. That starts with something as simple, and as important, as a safe place to stay. But it doesn’t stop there. It’s about having someone to talk to, someone who listens, and the kind of steady support that helps people begin to feel like things can get better again.
The reality behind that support isn’t always visible. Nightsafe relies heavily on donations to keep going, and last year, like many charities, they were hit by significant funding cuts. That led to a really difficult period of change, with staff having to reapply for their jobs or move onto reduced hours. Despite that, they’ve carried on being there for the young people who need them.
Mel O’Neill, the group’s Wellbeing and Inclusion Lead, recently visited Nightsafe to see first hand the important work they do.
She said: “When I visited Nightsafe, it really stayed with me. You can feel the level of need the moment you walk in, young people who are homeless or estranged from their families, often with little to no support network around them. And yet, despite that, there’s a real warmth about the place.
“What struck me most is how they’re managing to keep going. It’s volunteers and people who genuinely care, giving their time and energy to make sure these young people are safe, supported and not alone. They’re doing so much, with so little.
“To put it into perspective, Nightsafe are working with just £40 a week to feed five young people. That’s £10 per person to cover an entire week. When you see it first-hand, it really brings home the reality of what they’re up against, and just how much support like ours can make a difference.”
The walk in June is one way we’re showing our support, but it’s really just part of a bigger effort.
If you’re able to help, there are a few simple ways to get involved:
- Sponsor someone taking part
- Share the fundraising page
- Or do something within your own team or network
It all adds up. And right now, that support really does matter, because charities like Nightsafe can only keep going if people choose to back them, and the impact of that support is real, immediate, and life-changing.
