From the youngest to the oldest: Sleep Out is a challenge for anyone

Why did you decide to take part in Sleep Out?

Strawberry:

So my mum actually did it with my brother when he was about 9 years old, so I heard about it many years ago. And then my mum asked me if I wanted to maybe try it out this year.

At first, I was not too sure, but then I read about it on the website and found out more things from other people who had done similar things. And I thought it'd be really cool as well for my school, to share my experience with others in my year.

And I actually did really enjoy it.

Teresa:

For me it started the year before. I was on a train going down to Kent and a young woman came up the carriage. She said she needed money for a meal and to get to St Mungo’s. Unfortunately, she’d gone past me before I could give her anything.

Afterwards I realised I did have some cash, and I felt very guilty about it.

Because of that, I joined Centrepoint and started giving a small monthly contribution. Then I received the leaflet about the Sleep Out and thought, yes, I can do this. Everyone around me said I was mad, but that was fine. I went ahead and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

How did you find the fundraising?

Strawberry

Set up my fundraising page, and my goal was around £500 to raise. And I think I reached around £2,500 or something.

That was a big surprise because I didn’t realise how many people would actually give money. I had done similar things in the past, but nothing quite like this.

My mum shared on her Instagram, she talked to her friends about it, and people started just chiming in. Girls from my school, their parents would give money, and all of it added up to that amount.

Teresa:

I started fundraising early, in October. I’ve got a very big family, so I just asked people for five or ten pounds. That worked really well. I paused nearer Christmas and then started again afterwards.

I told everyone: my neighbours, my WI, and the Farmers’ Club - they were in fits of giggles. Quite a few people hadn’t heard of it before, but it really got people talking, and now lots want to do it next year. 

How did you prepare for the night?

Strawberry:

I was a bit unsure at first, it was out of my comfort zone and I thought, why would I do that if I’m going to be cold?

But on the night, I remember there was an offer for people to sleep inside if they wanted. And I think there was only one or two people who actually chose to do that, which I was really quite impressed with.

I was thinking about sleeping inside, but I felt that I wouldn’t get the whole experience if I did that.

Teresa:

I prepared well in advance. I laid everything out during the week before so I knew exactly what I was taking. I packed it all into a wheelie shopping trolley, which turned out to be one of the best things I did.

I arrived early at Somerset House, I was actually first in the queue, and that gave me a chance to talk to people straight away.

I decided to do it on my own because I wanted to meet people and talk. Everyone was incredibly friendly, and the WhatsApp group beforehand really helped people feel supported.

What stood out during the night?

Strawberry:

At the beginning, I really enjoyed the lectures and the talks. One of the women who works for Centrepoint had been in crisis herself a few years ago and got through it with their support. I found that really inspiring.

There was one activity where you had about 15 seconds to pack your bag. I grabbed a passport, a hat, and a wallet and that was all I could get.

It’s crazy how some people actually have so little time to pack everything, all of their life into a bag.

Teresa:

The time before bedtime was excellent. It wasn’t just turning up and going to sleep.

The activity where you’re given a bag and asked what you’d take really stayed with me. You unpack it afterwards and realise how quickly life can change.

There was also a lot of value in the discussions. You suddenly understand there are reasons behind young people sleeping on the streets, and it challenges assumptions.

What would you say to someone thinking about taking part?

Strawberry:

I was quite unsure at first but when you do it, it feels really good. Doing something that helps so many people takes over the uncomfortable feeling.

If you step out of your comfort zone and just do something, it will all be worth it. It was a really amazing experience for me. It opened my eyes.

Teresa:

Don’t let age or nerves put you off. I’m nearly 80, and if I can do it, anyone can.

This isn’t about copying what it’s like to sleep rough. It’s about supporting Centrepoint and learning more about youth homelessness. I see my role now as encouraging others and spreading the word.