More than 50 people took part in Sleep Out 26 on Friday, an awareness and fundraising event organised by Swindon homelessness charity Threshold.
The event marked the culmination of the charity’s partnership with Lawn Manor Academy, which has included year group assemblies, art and poetry competitions and a food donation challenge in the run-up to the night.
Kate Law, Assistant Head at Lawn Manor Academy, encouraged participants to reflect on those without secure housing, reminding them that while attendees chose to sleep out for one night, many people face homelessness without choice.
“It’s about not knowing where you’ll be tomorrow”
Threshold CEO Ben Harman highlighted the wider realities of homelessness, explaining it is not only about rough sleeping but also families in temporary accommodation, people sofa surfing and those living with uncertainty about their future.
Former rough sleeper Mike Beckley, who received support from Gloucester House in Highworth two decades ago, also took part. Now a music mentor for local mental health charity Ipsum, he admitted he had previously vowed never to do a sleep out due to the trauma of his experiences, but described the evening as emotional and inspiring.
Government response and civic support
MP Heidi Alexander attended to outline the Government’s plans to halve rough sleeping and increase the supply of affordable homes, including a £39 billion investment in housing.
The Mayor of Swindon and her husband, Ian, also slept out, hearing personal stories including that of Darren, who experienced homelessness at 17 before later graduating with a first-class degree.
Although participants were offered the option to sleep indoors due to intermittent rain, everyone chose to remain outside — sheltering under bike sheds, canopies and walkways as conditions worsened overnight.
Powerful reminders
Former rough sleeper Darren reflected that while participants had access to hot drinks, food and support, those currently experiencing homelessness do not.
“The difference is I’m going to drink this coffee, go home to my warm apartment and have a shower,” he said. “The people we are trying to advocate for don’t have that luxury.”
Young fundraisers also played a major role. Pupils Allysa (13), Ziva (11), Alys (11) and Roman (12) raised a combined £2,268, with Alys alone raising more than £700.
Ben Saysell raised £1,000 after being inspired by his father’s past experience of homelessness. His father Gary credited support from The Salvation Army and Threshold with helping him rebuild his life after addiction led to housing instability.
Community backing
The event has raised more than £5,000 so far. Thanks to grant funding from Places for People covering running costs, all funds raised will go directly towards supporting people experiencing homelessness in Swindon.
Support on the night included hot meals from Village Hotel Swindon and Rapid Relief Team UK, refreshments from Voluntary Action Swindon and Gel Studios, and music from Ipsum.
Participants described the evening as eye-opening and myth-busting, with many saying it strengthened their resolve to tackle stigma and raise awareness around homelessness.
