As a Trustee, I feel it is very important to raise the profile of CTS and highlight that it is a warm, friendly place with a great team of supportive staff and volunteers who do amazing work ensuring these young people get the help they need.

Experiencing homelessness means not having a safe, secure and private place to call your own. About 25% of the young people we help are rough sleeping. Many are considered to be part of the 'hidden homeless' population - they might be sleeping on a floor or 'sofa-surfing,' or living in a temporary hostel.

The young people who come to CTS for help are often struggling with their mental health and their physical health can be suffering too particularly if they are sleeping outside. They usually have very little money and nowhere else to turn. They have often been let down by adults in their lives and can find it hard to trust others. Many have experienced trauma in their early lives.

I hope that through this event, I will highlight the needs of those rough sleeping as well as raise funds that will help in their every day lives.