A senior teacher at Lawn Manor Academy will be swapping her warm home for a sleeping bag on the school field this week as she takes part in Sleep Out 26 in support of Threshold.
Assistant Headteacher Kate Law is preparing to spend Friday night outdoors as part of the annual fundraising challenge, which raises awareness and vital funds for people experiencing homelessness in Swindon. It will be the third time she has taken part.
Kate first signed up in 2015, sleeping out at Immanuel Church to better understand the realities faced by those without a safe place to call home.
“What struck me most,” she said, “was that for many people, homelessness didn’t come from one dramatic event or a single bad decision. It was a gradual series of circumstances that slowly removed their options until they had nowhere left to go.”
Despite freezing temperatures during that first experience, she returned in 2022 for another night outdoors at the Supermarine site.
Now, with Lawn Manor Academy hosting Sleep Out 26 on Friday 20 February, Kate felt compelled to take part again — this time just steps away from her classroom.
“I felt it was important to take part again this year, especially as we’ve been chosen to host it,” she said. “I wanted to be a role model for our pupils and to continue supporting the vital work that Threshold does.
“The pupils have learnt so much about homelessness in Swindon over the past few weeks, and staff and students have fully embraced the opportunity to make a difference through Sleep Out 26.”
Rachel Harris, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Threshold, praised the school community for its support.
“We’re delighted by how the staff and pupils have embraced the Sleep Out activities and developed a deeper understanding of the complexities of homelessness in our town,” she said.
“Kate’s determination to brave the weather, and everyone’s commitment to making a difference, is a wonderful example of how the Swindon community can come together to support people who are struggling. With around a thousand people homeless in Swindon and thousands more facing housing insecurity, the importance of supporting each other has never been greater.”
Threshold provides accommodation and specialist support services to people facing homelessness across the region, helping individuals rebuild their lives and regain independence.
Sleep Out 26 is open to anyone aged 11 and over and takes place on Friday 20 February. Registration costs £7.50 for children and £15 for adults, and participants are encouraged to boost their fundraising through sponsorship.
The event has received a £1,000 grant from Places for People, while Village Hotel Swindon, Gel Studios and Rapid Relief Team UK will be providing hot and cold refreshments. As a result, all proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship will go directly towards supporting people in Swindon with safe accommodation and the help they need to move forward.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.
