A vital annual abseil that raises crucial cash for a homeless charity saw brave adrenaline-seekers scale the famous Sheffield Hallam Owen building on Saturday. 

The Shelter and Sheffield Hallam University abseiling event has been described by Shelter’s Community Fundraiser for Yorkshire and Manchester as something “we would not be able to exist without.” 

Azim Nobeebaccus, Shelter’s Regional Community Fundraiser for Manchester and Yorkshire said: “It is really overwhelming for me personally and it brings me joy to see the generosity and the motivation of people.” 

Shelter provides support to those who are homeless or are in a stressful housing situation through offering free legal assistance and a free emergency helpline. 

Wendy Atkinson from Dolomite Training, the company who assisted with the abseil said: “You get a whole range of emotions, you kind of go from people who are openly terrified, to those who are really excited.” 

Mr Nobeebaccus also said: “There are a number of reasons why the abseil is important because it raises awareness of Shelter and how we help people locally but also because of the funds the participants raise from their generous supporters.” 

Charities like Shelter hold events like this after government findings showed there was an increase of 27% in the amount of people sleeping rough in Autumn 2023 in comparison to Autumn 2022. 

Miss Atkinson also added: “Even on social media after the event we’ll get comments saying I never thought I would be able to do it but people wouldn’t raise money if it was easy.” 

Andrew McGrath, Events Manager at Shefield Hallam University said: “It’s a lot of work but its good because we are giving something back.” 

There were two ropes over the side of the Owen’s building, meaning that participants could raise money whilst also being able to take on the challenge with a friend or family member. 

For more information surrounding the work Shelter do can be found at: https://england.shelter.org.uk/what_we_do