Hampden Snore: Scotland fans urged to join fundraiser to help homeless

Craig Brown is supporting the fundraiser (SNS Group / Craig Foy)

FORMER Scotland manager Craig Brown is backing a fundraising initiative to raise awareness about homelessness.

In the 12 months to March 31 this year, there were 34,662 homeless applications in Scotland – a figure which has remained steady for the past number of years.

The Scottish national stadium in Glasgow will host the Hampden Snore event on September 30, when 500 people will sleep under the stars for a night to support the work of The Bethany Christian Trust and Street Soccer Scotland.

Brown said: “Participating in the Hampden Snore is a great way of helping to prevent homelessness in Scotland.

“Street Soccer and Bethany do amazing work in transforming lives and this is a unique way to support them.

“I would encourage all Scotland fans to take part.”

From left, Ally Dawson from Street Soccer Scotland, Craig Brown and Ally Forbes from Bethany Christian Trust (SNS Group / Craig Foy)

The Bethany Christian Trust has been supporting vulnerable and homeless people in Scotland for more than 30 years, while Street Soccer Scotland has been seeking to lift people out of poverty since 2009 by offering a belief that sport can be a catalyst for positive social change.

Ally Dawson, of Street Soccer Scotland, said: “We know from our work across Scotland that football has such a massive force for change.

“Every week, men and women dealing with difficult circumstances including homelessness, physical and mental health issues and addiction attend our programmes and the positive outcomes have a big impact on their lives.”

Participants in the Hampden Snore will need warm clothing and a sleeping bag for their night outside.

Stewarding will be in place throughout the night as well as first aid provision and access to a warm, dry space with toilet facilities.

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