Go the distance for West Sussex charity on World Homelessness Day

West Sussex charity Turning Tides will mark World Homelessness Day with its biggest annual fundraising event, Go The Distance.
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The community is asked to use the numbers in the date, October 10, 2020, as inspiration for a challenge of their own choice to raise money to help homeless people in the county.

The fundraising team will be taking part itself on Saturday, walking, cycling, scooting, skating and swimming their way from the Littlehampton community hub to the Worthing hub.

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Abbi Last, organiser, said: “We are determined that this fantastic event will not be outrun by Covid-19, so we have adapted to social distancing and, this year, participants are invited to take part by choosing an activity of their choice, in a location of their choice, offering a challenge tailor made to suit all ages and abilities.”

Turning TIdes' fundraising team all set for Go the Distance, take them from the Littlehampton Community Hub to the Worthing HubTurning TIdes' fundraising team all set for Go the Distance, take them from the Littlehampton Community Hub to the Worthing Hub
Turning TIdes' fundraising team all set for Go the Distance, take them from the Littlehampton Community Hub to the Worthing Hub

Launched in 2018, Go The Distance has become the Worthing-based charity’s biggest annual event and the hope is that the new look will encourage even more people, from across the county, to take part.

Suggestions include cycling 20 miles, running 10 kilometres, or using the goal of 10 or 20 to push personal limits and achieve an important target.

Abbi said: “Throughout this pandemic, we have all seen that the mental wellbeing of so many has been hit hard and this is so evident amongst our growing homeless community right now.

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“Factors that feed into homelessness, financial strain, job losses, relationship breakdown and domestic violence, are increasing, so it seems fitting for us to run Go The Distance on 10.10.2020, as this is not only World Homelessness Day but also World Mental Health Day, and we know activity is so good for improving mental wellbeing.”

The fundraising team has been training at Splashpoint and has partnered with South Downs Leisure and Angmering business Thyme Wills for Go The Distance.

Abbi said: “To know we have the backing of our local business community shows solidarity, especially during these hard times. It gives the event a fantastic boost.”

The winter months ahead bring real concern and uncertainty for the charity, who has seen a rise in the number of homeless people across West Sussex.

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Rebecca Sowerby, outreach manager for Horsham and Mid Sussex, said: “In just three months, from April to June 2020, we have already seen 40 per cent of the total number of people we supported in the whole of the last financial year.

“If that level persists, it will be vital to increase our services in order to cope with this increased demand. Due to Covid restrictions, we have had to temporarily close our two drop ins - a lifeline for so many homeless people in Horsham and the surrounding area.

“However, we are travelling the length and breadth of the region, to locate homeless men and women - providing vital outreach services.”

Visit www.turning-tides.org.uk/event/go-the-distance-2020 for more information. Medals and prizes are available.

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