At 2:30 a.m., the temperature plummeted, and rain poured down relentlessly onto the fragile cardboard shelter I had built. Its persistent thudding grew louder as water began seeping through the cracks, soaking me and shattering any hope of warmth or comfort.
I had managed to sleep for around 40 minutes before the weather turned cruel. Suddenly wide awake, chilled to the bone, I realized resting through the night wasn’t going to be an option.
I was one of dozens sleeping out under the open sky in a car park near Birmingham’s Millennium Point, taking part in the annual ‘Big Sleepout’ organized by St Basils. This amazing charity works tirelessly to support homeless young people across the Midlands.
READ MORE: Warning for UK Households: Avoid Drying Clothes on Radiators This December
READ MORE: Personalised Toblerone: The Ultimate Gift for Chocolate Lovers This Christmas
Given cardboard, a plastic sheet, and a little encouragement, we set about creating our makeshift shelters. I arrived just after 9 p.m., freshly off a tough late shift and dressed in 28 layers to shield myself from the cold, a comedic nod to Joey’s iconic outfit from Friends. My modest gear included only a sleeping bag, a pillow, and an extra blanket.
My shelter looked pitiful next to those adorned with lanterns, tinsel, and fairy lights. Still, I squeezed my long legs inside, sticking out awkwardly like poorly parked scooters, and then made my way to chat with some of the incredible young people St Basils has helped.
Cory Hemming, 21, told me with heartfelt emotion that without St Basils, he might not be here today. “They saved my life,” he said softly. Another young man, 24-year-old Bradley Pluck, shared how lost he felt after eviction but found new hope and strength through the charity’s support. Their stories, full of resilience and gratitude, filled me with hope.
What struck me most was the energy and commitment of the young participants—teens in pajamas running about, and one brave girl choosing to mark her 18th birthday by sleeping out for the cause.
Yet my night of discomfort was temporary. When sleep finally came, I was wrapped tightly in my sleeping bag, knowing this was a fleeting taste of what others endure every single night. Afterward, I drove home to warmth, showers, and a dentist appointment, all part of my normal, secure life.
For those who genuinely sleep rough, there is no reprieve, no warm car or safe place to return to. Their struggles are relentless and unforgiving.
That morning, my boiler unexpectedly broke down, and I missed a hot shower. I found myself laughing at the trivial inconvenience, starkly aware of how minor it was compared to the harsh realities faced by homeless individuals.
This experience gave me a profound respect for the work of St Basils and deepened my understanding of homelessness. It’s a harsh reality that many face every day — one that we must not ignore.