Swindon Advertiser staff braved a freezing and wet night in a sponsored sleepout to raise funds for youth homelessness charity Centrepoint.
Sixteen members of staff from the Swindon Advertiser swapped the warmth of their homes for sleeping bags in the open air as they took part in a sponsored charity sleepout on Thursday, February 12, raising an impressive £2,200.
The team camped overnight in the newspaper office car park, facing zero degree temperatures, rain and damp conditions.
To keep spirits up, staff played games and held quizzes and made what they could of the stark conditions faced by many others in Swindon and beyond.
Swindon Advertiser editor Daniel Chipperfield said he was overwhelmed by the generosity shown by readers, friends and family who backed the fundraising effort.
"It's fantastic that our efforts encouraged such a wonderful outpouring of support from friends, family and the public and we are very grateful to them," he said.
"While the event was carried out in good spirits, it was clear that we all carried away at least some small sense of the enormity and nigh on impossibility of what living rough must be like for young people in Swindon and beyond that face it every day.
"Homelessness simply shouldn't exist for our youngest generations, and we are supporting Centrepoint as our charity of the year to help bring it to an end."
The charity provides vital accommodation, education and health support to vulnerable young people, including those in Swindon.
Commercial director Darran Reynolds said the experience was an eye-opener.
"The sleepout is not designed to replicate homelessness, but it did crystalise for us the reality for those sleeping rough," he said.
"When the initial experience and morale faded it became all too clear how tough it must be to face this — and face it every night.
"In the rain and the cold, it tested our resolve and I have to say reflecting back, it still sits uncomfortable with me and I am much more aware of the importance of these issues.
"I am hugely proud that our actions can hopefully help people in whatever way is needed.
"Centrepoint are a fantastic charity and need as much help as possible, and I would encourage anyone to take time to find out what they do and, if you can, donate to their cause."
Centrepoint helped almost 14,000 young people in 2023/24, offering safe housing, education, employment training and mental and physical health support.
Last year, more than 118,000 young people approached local councils after becoming homeless or being at serious risk of homelessness.
Among them was 18-year-old rapper Aimee, who has cerebral palsy.
Following a family breakdown, she was placed in unsuitable accommodation until Centrepoint stepped in, securing her a self-contained flat, living-skills support and essential home adaptations.
Stories like hers highlight the vital need for continued fundraising so the charity can expand its life-changing support.
The Swindon Advertiser team hopes their sleepout will inspire others in the community to get behind Centrepoint’s mission.
You can still support the campaign by visiting the Swindon Centrepoint Sleep Out fundraising page.
