Helen’s experience: Hold Your Own Sleep Out

What made you decide to sign up to Sleep Out?

A few months before, my son and I were nearly made homeless. Rent kept going up and we were looking at being in emergency accommodation. I was thinking how it would impact my son and it made me realise how quickly it can turn to that. Often people stereotype homeless people and tell themselves, “That could never be me”. But I saw it really could be any of us.

When the Bournemouth beach Sleep Out popped up it was something I could easily do to make a difference. 

Did you have any reservations about it?

I was worried about sleeping in a new place with people I don’t know. But I cared enough about the cause and felt at ease when I arrived. 

We all chatted for a while and had some hot drinks before we found places to sleep. I chose the double decker bus, and the wind was banging on the Pyrex windows all night – I barely got any sleep! 

I had imagined us watching the sun rise over the sea as we were right next to the beach...but on the actual night, it was chucking it down with rain and the wind was howling! But it was just one night of discomfort for such an important cause.

Did you learn anything unexpected during the experience?

We had access to a Portaloo on the night, but we had to use the men’s. When it was dark at 5am and I needed the loo, I felt nervous to get up and use them. It made me realise when people are on the streets, they would have to use public toilets all the time. Plus, on the streets they would be afraid to leave their stuff, as well as the feeling of being unsafe in a public toilet at night.

Do you have any advice for anyone considering doing a Sleep Out?

If you get the opportunity – just do it! It’s a little bit of discomfort for one night and for such a good cause. Take a step out of your comfort zone and just do it.

For the next Sleep Out that Mark ran at the same venue, I encouraged all my friends to take part and shared it all over Facebook.

What would you add to a must-pack list?

Layers! I had thermal pyjamas under my tracksuit, then layers of jumpers and hoodies. So, have a base layer, plenty of extras, and a hot water bottle!

*name changed