See in the Summer with BCM’s Big Backyard Camp-Out

To mark the end of the school term and celebrate the start of summer, Belfast Central Mission (BCM) is encouraging members of the public to come together – figuratively speaking – on Saturday, 27^th June, for its Big Backyard Camp-Out.

Bringing together its staff, supporters, service users, volunteer network and donors, BCM wants everyone to see in the summer with a distraction from lockdown and to embrace the adventure of being outdoors, even it is only feet from their own back door!

In addition, the 130-year-old organisation wants to highlight the housing issues in Northern Ireland and how BCM provides housing support and helps to prevent homelessness across its projects, working with young people, young families, care leavers and older people.

Richard Dougherty, project manager of BCM’s Supported Housing unit in Magherafelt, said;

“At BCM, we are acutely aware that the pandemic has meant that many have been unable to take holidays or enjoy weekends away as they normally would at this time of year. We want to encourage individuals, families and households to do something fun and a bit different whilst, if they wish and are able, providing an opportunity to donate in lieu of a camp fee to support BCM’s projects.

“Whether you have acres of land to play with, a small city yard area, or no outside space at all, we really want to see people get creative and we would love to see photos and videos of everyone who takes part in the Big Backyard Camp-Out.”

BCM’s Big Backyard Camp-Out will take place on Saturday, 27^th June 2020 and welcomes everyone to camp out in their own garden or indoors for a fun way to see in the summer. Donations, in lieu of fees or travel costs, can be made to BCM, if desired and if able, via its website.

BCM’s range of residential services across N.I includes supported housing for young people in Belfast, Bangor, Dungannon and Magherafelt, housing support for young people and older people, help for families and parents, and Kirk House, an award-winning care home in east Belfast.

More information can be found via the BCM Facebook page, website (belfastcentralmission.org) or by contacting theviz@belfastcentralmission.org.