I was one of the Year 8 students who took part in the Charity Sleepout, and I am proud to say that I managed to stay outside for the whole night!
It was a fun, eye-opening experience that helped us learn more about homelessness while raising money for a great cause.
We began the evening with a lively game of dodgeball. Although it was lots of fun, it also had a deeper meaning. We reflected on how people experiencing homelessness often have to go through challenges and obstacles every day, without the support that many of us take for granted.
Next, we gathered in the lecture theatre, where the Sixth Form organiser Jessie (13 MJ/JHB) and Mr Brown introduced the evening. We watched videos from Herts Young Homeless (HYH) and took part in an activity where we had to plan how to spend £10 on groceries for an entire month. It sparked some interesting debates and showed us how difficult it can be to make tough choices when money is limited.
We also learned some shocking facts about homelessness. One statistic that stood out to me was that 2,376 young people in Hertfordshire alone approached their local authorities because they were homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.
It made us think about the importance of organisations like HYH and the difference donations can make.
For dinner, we were served soup and bread, similar to meals often provided in homeless accommodation. During the meal, we spent some time in silence, reflecting on how fortunate we are to have warm food, safe homes and comfortable beds.
One of the highlights of the evening was gathering around a fire organised by Mr Wright. As we toasted marshmallows, we talked about what “home” means to us and what we are grateful for. It was a thoughtful and moving discussion that reminded us how important a sense of belonging can be.
When it was finally time to sleep, we laid out cardboard and sleeping bags in the Philosophers’ Garden. Just as everyone was settling down, it started to rain! Most people moved inside for shelter, but five of us bravely stayed outside.
Although it was cold and uncomfortable, the experience reminded me how lucky I am to have a warm, safe place to sleep every night.
The Charity Sleepout was both enjoyable and inspiring. It helped me appreciate what I have while raising awareness of an important issue. I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone given the opportunity to take part.
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