Dick and Dom are backing Shelter Scotland's call on schools across the country to take part in HomeTime!, a new exciting fundraising initiative encouraging children to raise money and help change the lives of thousands of homeless children in the new year.

Currently there are 1.6 million children homeless or living in bad housing across the UK. Hundreds more children are trapped in homes that are overcrowded, squalid or unsafe. Homeless children are two to three times more likely to be absent from school than other children due to the disruption caused by constantly moving around [1]. HomeTime!, launching on Friday 12 February 2010, is a unique chance for schools to help give these children a more secure future.

Once schools have registered on the Shelter website, they will receive a booklet and DVD packed with exciting fundraising resources and thought provoking assembly plans all linked to the theme of home. From spelling to dressing up, game-playing to arts and crafts, you’re sure to find an activity that will get your class fired up to fundraise.

Television presenters Dick and Dom said: 'Can you imagine growing up without a home to call your own? Well for thousands of children in Britain that's a daily reality. HomeTime! is a great way to start the New Year by getting involved and raising vital funds for Shelter. Coming to school in your slippers or dressed like your Mum and Dad are a few of many fun ways to raise money for the charity, linked to the theme of Home. Each school’s contribution will help support the work that Shelter do to end bad housing for the next generation of children.'

Graeme Brown, Director of Shelter Scotland, said: 'Bad housing and homelessness can have a devastating effect on every area of a child's life. HomeTime! is a fun way to encourage a younger age group to get involved and help support the work Shelter do to end bad housing for the next generation of children.'

For more information on HomeTime! and to register for a DVD and application pack.

Notes to editors

1. Chance of  Lifetime: The Impact of bad housing on children’s lives, Shelter, 2006.
2. Any school that takes part in HomeTime! will be entered into a competition to win a Promethean whiteboard (ActivBoard 300 Pro) for their school.