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Sleep Out 26

This year's Sleep Out brought the community together for an educational deep dive into Swindon's homelessness problem.

Over 50 people participated in Sleep Out 26, the culmination of the our project with Lawn Manor Academy to raise awareness, fight social exclusion and raise funds for housing and services.

We partnered with Lawn Manor Academy in the lead up to the event, holding year group assemblies, art and poetry competitions and a challenge to fill a trolley with food donations. Kate Law, Assistant Head, encouraged Sleep Out participants, ‘I hope you have a good night and spend time reflecting on those that have less than us. We all didn't go to bed this evening out of choice. The people we're supporting tonight, those choices have been eroded so much that they have to sleep somewhere that's outside or somewhere they feel vulnerable.’

Ben, our CEO, explained that homelessness isn’t just about sleeping on the streets, ‘It’s about not knowing where you’ll be tomorrow. It’s about families living in a single room in temporary accommodation, people sofa-surfing, staying silent about their situation, and hoping their luck doesn’t run out. The feeling that life has unravelled and not knowing how to put it back together.’

He thanked participants for caring and taking action, ‘Tonight might be uncomfortable. It might be cold. You might not sleep much. But remember, for many people this isn’t one night. A safe home can change everything, and together, we can help make that possible.’

Mike Beckley spent years on the streets and in squats before gaining accommodation and support from Gloucester House, a 12 step rehabilitation centre in Highworth. Twenty years later, Mike is a music mentor for Ipsum, a local mental health charity.

‘I have always said I wouldn’t do a sleep out, because rough sleeping was horrendous 'he said. 'I was addicted to alcohol and drugs, I didn’t recognise myself and was absolutely alone.

'But when Threshold asked Ipsum to play the music at the event, in a moment of madness I said ‘yes’! I have been dreading it, but tonight has been so emotional and inspiring that I’m now really excited to be part of it and looking forward to sleeping outside!’


Swindon MP Heidi Alexander attended to explain the government’s response. ‘We have a target to halve the number of rough sleepers and tackle problems like people sofa surfing because they haven't got a home of their own. We’re investing £39 billion to build more affordable homes for people to be able to rent at a decent level from housing associations or the council.’

The Mayor of Swindon and her husband, Ian, also participated in the Sleep Out. ‘Before we settled down for the night, we heard some deeply moving stories’ she said. 'Darren shared his journey from losing his mother and experiencing homelessness at just 17 to eventually graduating with a first-class degree. It was a powerful reminder that every person we walk past on the streets just needs the right opportunity and support to fulfil their potential.’

Although they were given the option to sleep indoors due to the intermittent rain, everyone opted to sleep outside, finding shelter in the bike sheds or under canopies, while some chose the brave the elements.

Ian said ‘We slept out in the open until it started to rain, then we had to move under the walkway. It was a bit of a wind tunnel’.

Former rough sleeper Darren Diprose also slept outside. ‘I personally felt quite emotional, very grateful, when doing my talk because it reminded me of the events of my life when I was homeless. The difference with us sleeping out last night was we had wraparound care, catering coffee through the night and hot chocolate. But there were still subtle little reminders, like what it’s like to wake up freezing cold.

'The difference is I’m going to drink this coffee, go home to my warm apartment, have a shower and get changed. The people we are trying to advocate for here don’t have that luxury. The best they’ve got to look forward to is another night out in the elements.’

Read Darren's story

School pupils, Alyssa (13), Ziva (11), Alys (11) and Roman (12) took part, raising an astonishing £2,268 for Threshold between them. Alys said, ‘I raised over £700 from support from my friends and family, it’s a really important cause and I love raising awareness.’

‘I want to fundraise for all the people who are homeless because it is important for them to be safe,’ said Ziva, adding ‘I would do it again, although I couldn’t go to sleep because of my energy!’

Alyssa also had trouble sleeping, ‘It was pretty cold and I woke up from the wind and noise a couple of times but it wasn’t that bad.’

The event has raised over £5,000 so far. Thanks to a grant from Places for People funding the event's running costs, this will go entirely towards supporting people who are homeless in Swindon.

The event was also supported with hot meals from Village Hotel Swindon and Rapid Relief Team UK, refreshments from Gel Studios and Voluntary Action Swindon, and music from Ipsum.

Corinne Cooper, Social Impact Manager at Places for People said, ‘It’s been a wonderful event, I’m so pleased to have been part of it. It’s a great example of the community coming together.’

Ben Saysell was inspired to take part because his dad was homeless and has raised an incredible £1,000. Ben said, ‘There’s a huge stigma around homelessness and it’s important to raise awareness. I’m looking forward to sleeping out, but I’ve got stability when I go back home tomorrow, a life, a job. It’s just one night for us - some people have to do this for years.’

His dad, Gary, added, ‘I became homeless when my marriage broke down due to my gambling addiction. I stayed at Booth House in town for a while and then sofa surfing. Thanks to charities like the Salvation Army and Threshold I got back on my feet a lot quicker.’

Gary’s younger son, Daniel (17), described why he was volunteering at the event. ‘My whole family has been affected by mental health, addiction and homelessness, so I wanted to help in any way possible. I see people on the streets and it looks awful.’

Participants were thankful to be greeted in the morning with a hot breakfast from Rapid Relief Team UK (RRT UK), whose volunteers provide food across the community in emergency situations as well as supporting charity events like the Sleep Out.

Laurie Pomeroy, local team leader for RRT UK, said ‘The RRT is defined by its purpose of putting compassion into action, and our volunteers were happy to come together to provide our support to Threshold and those who came together for the sleep out.’

Participant Janet Perrins said, ‘I didn’t think I would enjoy this event, but I really did. It really opened my eyes and busted some myths.’

Homelessness on our doorstep

Homelessness is destroying lives in our community. A thousand people in Swindon do not have a home and many more households are at risk. Anyone can be affected by homelessness.

Please help us to end homelessness in Swindon.

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