I never imagined sleeping on the street in Edinburgh city centre, where it rained all night long, that it could have been so unifying with the other participants I met on the night and we experienced a very special kind of challenge.
The Big Bethany Sleep Out is only a month away and we wanted to hear from previous attendees about their own experiences and why they take part. We received a super and insightful account from Helen who slept out at the Edinburgh City Chamber last year with her grandson, Roan and the family dog, Topaz.
She has kindly agreed to share her story:
”I signed up to support the Big Bethany Sleep Out as I wanted to support the charity and help those experiencing homelessness. It was a great opportunity for me as a Granny to experience a challenge with my Grandson Roan and we brought along Topaz the family spaniel too.
Homelessness is a cause close to my heart due to a personal experience. My family has a loved one who has struggled for over 20 years with drug issues and all the risky behaviours around that, resulting in him becoming homeless. Everything this sleep out is trying to highlight is relevant to all elements of being homeless, it’s an event that all members of your family aged 8+ can join in with as well as being dog friendly.
I never imagined sleeping on the street in Edinburgh city centre, where it rained all night long, that it could have been so unifying with the other participants I met on the night and we experienced a very special kind of challenge.
There are heaps of activities to keep you going until lights out and getting bedded down inside your sleeping bag. Roan in fact won the shelter building competition. There was a busker too keeping us entertained and lots of lovely chats over a hot drink with people that had been complete strangers until that evening . We were woken at dawn by the Rapid Relief team for an early brekkie showcasing the amazing work they do around the city. Even Topaz had a bacon roll!
You can perhaps never imagine a member of your own family becoming homeless and eating out of the food trucks…I couldn’t but sadly for mine it became a reality. It’s truly comforting to be aware of the work and the funds this sleep out goes towards supporting. It’s not about pretending to be homeless but an opportunity to open up the conversation within the family and friends about homelessness and what it entails.
It’s great you can join in virtually and sleep out in your garden or join in with fiends but for me the camaraderie on the night being on the streets of Edinburgh was really special, highlighting a real need to support those who are struggling in life. A challenge for one night that we still talk about a year on!
Helen - Sleep Out Participant 2022
This year, we have events in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. If Helen’s story has inspired you and your loved ones to take part, why not join us on March the 24th!