Last year, 136,000 young people aged 16 to 24 reported themselves as homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK. – This is a shocking statistic.
That’s why last week, members of #TeamTrident along with others from our industry took part in the LandAid SleepOut, braving one night outside in the cold to help #endyouthhomelessness.
For those unfamiliar with LandAid, they bring the property industry together to support charities and projects across the UK that deliver life changing services for young people, who are, have been, or who are at risk of homelessness.
One week later, we caught up with some of our volunteers to ask how they found the experience.
Changed perceptions
“The thing about sleep out is the stories you hear from people that have been helped by LandAid” says Dan Roe, Managing Director. “Too many people, including me in the past, associate being homeless as a choice but it’s not from the stories I have heard, it’s a last resort. Sleeping out is hard but we do it in a safe, sterile area with friends and familiar faces around us – I cannot imagine what it must be like for it to be your last resort”
Cameron McMaster, Associate Director in our Liverpool office echoed Dan’s thoughts, now having a deeper understanding of the deeper effects of homelessness.
“Participating in the LandAid sleep-out really made me appreciate how much a lack of a good night’s sleep can impact cognitive performance the following day. It was a challenging experience, and I found it difficult to focus and function after just one night without proper rest This made me reflect on the reality faced by young homeless individuals who endure nights like this repeatedly. Night after night, they are forced to find the resilience to get through the day”
Eye opening
For Toby Garnett and Tristan Dodwell-Cooke, their first LandAid SleepOut provided a stark glimpse into the realities of homelessness
“Spending the night outdoors facing the cold without basic comforts gave me a glimpse into the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness” Toby explained “Taking part in the event made me reflect on the importance of supporting organisations that work to provide shelter and opportunities for vulnerable young people”
Tristan added, “It was also a great opportunity to raise money while stepping into the shoes of who your raising money for”
Privileges
“I could go home, have a shower and warm meal before heading to work the next day” Tim Rowland from our London team noted “but everybody else who had just gone through that night wouldn’t have the same privileges, it really makes you think about what we take for granted”
Thank you to everyone who has donated or supported our SleepOut team in any way. We are delighted to have raised £1657 to date, and this money will help LandAid make a difference.
If you would like to donate, there is still time, and you can do so here.