Streets Of London Sleep-Out, October 2018

We're very grateful to everyone who took part in the first Streets of London Sleep-Out in October 2018.

Sixty or so people signed up for the inaugural event, raising a fantastic £30,000+ in support of Streets of London's work tackling homelessness in the capital!

It was a chilly night for those sleeping out under the stars in Westminster, but a great friendly atmosphere. The money raised will help to fund homelessness projects across London that give people the support they need to get off the streets for good.

Here's what two of the sleepers had to say about why they decided to take part:

"I’ve come along because I want to raise awareness for an incredible charity, and experience what loads of people have to go through every night, but I only have to do it for one night. I see so many people on the streets and this is something I can do to help."

"I read about the sleep-out online and thought ‘I’ve never tried anything like that before’. I got behind it because I work in London and the number of times I walk past someone homeless on the street, I thought it’s a good chance to give back to them. I’m fortunate that I come from a happy family home. Even if it’s just a small thing like sleeping outside for one night and raising a bit of money, I’m more than willing to try and do a little bit, I guess."

Here's what a few people had to say about the experience afterwards, in the morning:

"It was cold and uncomfortable but very humbling and I'm so glad I did it. I would definitely do it again and encourage others to get involved. It really makes me appreciate all I have and inspires me to do more. It's heart-breaking that there are people who have to live like this."

"Although we all understand the sheer volume of homelessness in our city, this was a huge eye-opener and a very difficult and inspiring experience."

"I’ve definitely gained a lot of empathy. You walk past homeless people, you think for a minute ‘Oh, that’s not nice, homelessness is bad’, but having been out here, you appreciate how long a night is."

"I came here to educate myself about homelessness. I found it extremely tough, but I can go home now, and be in my bed and be warm. The whole time I was just thinking ‘I can go home and other people can’t’."

"It was a really sobering insight into what so many people are contending with while living on the streets."

"I think it makes you realise how miserable it would be to sleep out on your own, and I feel it’s such a small thing you can do to raise awareness and some money for the many homeless people in London."

"It’s been an incredible experience to have. As people have said, I couldn’t do it every day of the year. It’s insane what people go through."

A big thank you to everyone who took part and to event sponsor Quandoo for their generous support.