Vinesh and his work colleagues took part in the London Sleep Out 2025, swapping their beds for sleeping bags to raise awareness and essential funds for Centrepoint. He tells us about gathering a work team, fundraising tips, and how the experience changed his perception of youth homelessness.
Firstly, could you tell me why you chose to Sleep Out for Centrepoint?
Centrepoint was chosen by my company as charity of the year. And then when I was looking at different ways we could get involved, I saw Sleep Out as their main fundraising event.
So, I mentioned it to my colleagues, and we started to ask around the office to see who was interested. We thought this would be a good experience and a way of raising money as well, and we managed to get quite a few people to sign up.
How did you find the fundraising?
Fundraising was quite interesting because I set up the page and sent it around to colleagues, but it was it was not going very well by the beginning of March. Bearing in mind Sleep Out was in the middle of March! Just a few friends of mine had donated. So, I was getting quite worried.
But then, as it got closer, we started emailing other people in the company and their contacts, and then it went from a very low amount to escalating and going up very, very quickly. I recommend making the most of the actual network that you have at work - that was 90% of the big donations. And we definitely found that as you get closer to the day, that's when it really takes off.
How was the build-up and preparation for the night?
It was fine, to be honest, I wasn't that worried. In fact, my only concern was the awkwardness of taking part with colleagues. But there was nothing to worry about, it's a good icebreaker, actually! I got to know one of them better as well, because we both arrived quite early and we went for a drink.
The mental preparation was fine, I knew it was all going to be managed well by Centrepoint doing the security and all that kind of thing.
On the night, I slept outside. It's uncomfortable. It's grotty, all the noises and smells.
How did you find the evening of panel discussions and the activities?
Fantastic. That was one of my favourite bits. I think the string activity was quite shocking. It shows you how many different families and different foster homes and social workers a young person can go through and lose, and sometimes they end up leaving school without any qualifications. And then the state doesn't have to care from them anymore. It's just terrible, you know?
Would you have any advice or top tips for someone considering doing a Sleep Out with their work group?
Communication and motivation. So, getting people up for doing it; emphasise the fact that it's not on the street, you're in a secure environment. Some people worry about that, so explain that you're doing it with lots of other people.
Explain the why: the whole background of youth homelessness and the core message and mission.
These are key because if you don't communicate and if you don't motivate people to go, why would they want to do this? And individually messaging people as well, get senior people at work to get involved in and donate to Sleep Out!
Want to take part at Sleep Out with your colleagues?
Join a Centrepoint Sleep Out or host your own - challenge yourself for one night so no young person has to face homelessness alone.