Winnie is one of our Sleep Out veterans! She’s been taking part for over 8 years. We caught up with her after our 2024 Sleep Out Kachette in London to chat about how her Sleep Out experience started and why it means so much to her to keep doing it year-on-year.
Tell me a bit about your experience at Sleep Out.
Well, I’ve been taking part in Sleep Out for years, ever since the Sleep Out in 2017. I also did the Stay Up (our fundraiser during the pandemic that challenged participants to stay up all night) – it was a really good idea and an even bigger challenge!
On a personal note, I’ve had times in my life where if things had gone another way, I would be in a similar position to some of the young people at Centrepoint. I know how easily it can happen and I want to help with those support systems.
Is it hard fundraising when you’ve done it for so many years?
Actually, fundraising is fine year-on-year – the same people are excited to support me again when the time comes around!
How did you find the 2024 Sleep Out at Kachette in London?
It was quite a deep moment walking to the Sleep Out. I've finished work, I've had a meal and I'm walking to sleep out with my backpack and sleeping bag in the opposite direction to people headed out to the pub – it’s a real "in my shoes moment".
At the venue you're indoors, but the doors are open and you're on the concrete ground, so the coldness does sweep up through the concrete. I use a yoga mat and a scarf, my rucksack as a pillow, just the things I have with me. I’ve been using the same sleeping bag since 2017 – it’s the Sleep Out sleeping bag! It's great having the option to sleep outside. The noise is a big element, you have the trains going over throughout the night.
How did you sleep?
I don’t expect to sleep – I’m not going there to get 7 hours. It’s a reflection piece for me. An evening to be grateful for what I do have. So, yes, raising money is an important element, but you’re also self-reflecting. How can I do better? What can I do to help the community more and to help Centrepoint?
How did you find the activities on the night?
It was great to take part in the 'In My Shoes' activity, and the 'PIE string' activity, which was an eye opener. The activity was a powerful way of realising how many people are involved in a young person's journey before they arrive at Centrepoint for support. I've worked for my local council for children with SEN and I also have two children so I'm aware of some of those things, but the activities were a good way to understand things differently.
What advice do you have for someone considering signing up to Sleep Out?
What’s stopping you? It’s just one night a year! You’re giving up one night in the whole year to help to see things from a different perspective and make change happen.
Want to take part at Sleep Out?
Join a Centrepoint Sleep Out or host your own - challenge yourself for one night so no young person has to face homelessness alone.