More than £13,000 has been raised for people experiencing homelessness at last month’s Eden Sleep Out.

Around 80 fund-raisers took part in the ninth annual Sleep Out event by bedding down outside Eden’s Biomes using only sheets of cardboard and their own sleeping bags for warmth and comfort.

The money raised goes directly to homelessness charities the Amber Foundation and St Petrocs at a time when their services are most in demand.

The two charities have benefited from a grand total of around £90,000 raised by Eden Sleep Out fund-raisers over the last nine years.

Organisers are looking ahead to next year’s milestone tenth event, set to take place on November 16 2023.

Dan James, Eden’s development Director, said: “Once again, hats off to everyone who participated in this year’s Eden Sleep Out. The amount of money raised is absolutely brilliant and will help make a real difference to people experiencing homelessness right now.

“Next year will be our tenth event and we look forward to seeing as many people as possible signing up and taking part in what we are sure will be another emotive and inspiring night.”

Rebecca Fry, Amber’s fund-raising manager, said: “The freezing temperatures of the last few weeks remind us all how incredibly important it is to make sure everyone is housed and supported.

“We are continuing to see rising numbers of young people needing our help and the funds raised will help us give them a warm, dry Christmas and full support so they never have to face homelessness again.”

Lois Wild, St Petrocs’ associate director of fund-raising and communications, said: “It doesn’t get much colder here in Cornwall than it has been recently, so being able to provide emergency shelter to people facing a night outside at this time is vital.

“These funds have helped enable us to provide our winter services which we are operating right now.”

The Amber Foundation runs four supported housing centres for young people (aged 16 to 30) affected by homelessness, unemployment and mental ill health.

Their South West centre, Ashley Court near Crediton in Devon, provides a temporary but safe and supportive home for young people from across the region.

St Petrocs is a charity providing a range of services including advice, support and medical services at resource centres and around the county with an outreach team, supported accommodation and a skills, training and employment programme.