On Thursday 23rd November, eleven first year Level 3 Uniformed Protective Services students from SERC Bangor will participate in the MACS Sleep Out at Banana Block, Belfast to help raise awareness of the issues the charity faces in addressing homelessness and to raise funds, helping put youth homelessness to bed.

MACS is a local charity, based in Belfast. They work with children and young people (aged 16 –25) who haven’t had a fair deal. They may be experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, self-harm, mental health issues, leaving care or they are generally at risk.

As part of their course, the students are studying a unit on volunteering. They are learning about the role of voluntary organisation in supporting the services and are carrying out voluntary work themselves. The students are also studying the Teamwork and Leadership unit and will be completing this as part of an assessed team activity.

The students are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh Award and Millennium Volunteers, two additional qualifications which are embedded into their course as part of a hands- on project based approach to learning. By participating in this activity, they will accrue hours towards these qualifications which will enhance employability skills.

The students, joined by their tutor will brave the cold, wintery weather from 7pm until 7am. This will allow the students to realise the difficulties many homeless people in our community must contend with whilst raising money for a charity at the front line of supporting them.

On behalf of these brave and selfless students, I would be very grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes and donate a small amount of money through the just giving page. All proceeds will go to MACS NI, a local volunteer led welfare service who improve the lives of young people within the local community. Your donation will make a real difference in the run up to Christmas in empowering young people - to have a home, , strengthen their mental health and be part of a community.