This September local people are being encouraged to put their best foot forward and take part in Walking for Real Change, a community challenge to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness.

 

Walking for Real Change invites local people to walk throughout September, setting their own goals and fundraising targets. The challenge is based on the fact that for those without a home walking is part of daily life, with some covering up to 15 miles a day to find food, support, safety or shelter.

 

The fundraising initiative is being run by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which brings together housing, homelessness and emergency services, community organisations, faith-based voluntary groups, people with lived experience and local businesses who are all committed to tackling homelessness in the borough.

 

Participants can walk solo or as part of a team with friends, family or colleagues. All walkers will receive a downloadable miles tracker, a Real Change pin badge and public shout-outs on social media as they reach key milestones.

 

The campaign is aiming to raise £10,000 to fund and install a fully accessible shower and wet room in a local church. This vital new facility will offer dignity, hygiene and comfort to people experiencing homelessness over the winter months, something most of us take for granted, but which can make an enormous difference to those without somewhere to call home.

 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: “Walking for Real Change is a powerful way for our community to come together and show support for people experiencing homelessness.

 

"Every mile walked will help raise awareness of the issues faced by those who are homeless, and every donation will bring us closer to creating practical and lasting solutions. I’m encouraging everyone across the borough to get involved, set themselves a walking goal and join us in making a difference.”

 

This year’s challenge also marks 10 years of the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership. Since its launch, the partnership has helped reduce rough sleeping in the borough dramatically and raised funds for winter shelters, wet rooms, lockers for rough sleepers and extended services at the Camrose Day Centre through the Real Change Basingstoke campaign.

 

Anyone wishing to take part can sign up online through http://realchangebasingstoke.org.uk/walking-for-real-change/ set a fundraising target and start walking throughout September. Progress updates can be shared on social media using #EveryMileMatters and #WalkingForRealChange.