Our Sleepout Experience 2024

Every year we do our best to support local communities and charities. This year we supported Independent People 1625 (1625IP). On the 7th of November two of our employees Meg and Jill gave up their beds for one night to participate in 1625 Independent People’s annual sleepout. This event raises funds and awareness to help tackle youth homelessness.  

This month we will be sharing our sleepout experience, what we learnt and how you can support this amazing charity. 

1625 caught our eye when we were looking for something that could help make a difference. The organisation ‘works with young people who are homeless, leaving care or at risk of homelessness in Bristol and the South West’. They support those in need by providing services such as supported housing, emotional support, group activities and advice. This not only helps young people strengthen their skills and talents but also ensures they are able to thrive as an independent adult.  

The sleepout is the charity’s biggest annual fundraising event. During the evening, we heard from several amazing young people supported by 1625IP. Their inspiring stories  gave us an extra push to get through the restless chilly night we had ahead of us. 

A fact from the event that blew us away was the number of people we see in Bristol sleeping rough is just 3% of the homelessness in Bristol!  

The Sleepout

We arrived with our sleeping bags and warm clothes feeling grateful that we had some comfort for the night ahead. After registering we heard from several amazing young people supported by 1625IP and listened to a wonderful community choir, ‘Breakout Voices‘. Shortly after we enjoyed dancing at the silent disco before it was time to settle in for the night. As expected not much sleep was had but we were rather lucky with the weather. There was only a little rain throughout the night, making us a bit damp and cold. We woke up and got straight to it, catching the bus back home to get to work! This is where the restless cold night hits you.

While the sleepout was only one night, our experience gave us a small glimpse into some of the many challenges faced by those sleeping rough. The lack of sleep, persistent coldness throughout the day and a sore back was hard enough. But the thought that so many people go through this every day kept us going.

Our participation in this year’s sleepout not only raised funds for youth homelessness but deepened our understanding of the things they go through. We learnt how young people are supported and what we can do to give back to our community. 

There is still time to donate so please if you are able anything is appreciated. You could even consider signing up to next year’s sleepout! If you want to learn more about 1625 Independent People and how you can help visit their website here. 

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