City charity gears up for homelessness backyard sleep out

Local people are gearing up for a fundraising sleep out next week, organised by an Exeter-based homelessness charity.

St Petrock’s is inviting people to sleep out under the stars next Friday (12 April), to help raise money for its work with rough sleepers.

Around one thousand pounds has already been raised by the energetic participants of St Petrock’s Big Night Out who are sleeping rough in a variety of ways, including in gardens, sheds or on open moorland. Some with friends and family, others with colleagues or alone.

One participant said: “In those moments when someone is homeless, what makes a real difference is someone who really cares and stands alongside them - that is what St Petrock's staff do.”

Another Big Night Out supporter explained: “I've decided to take part in this event to get an inkling into the physical feeling of sleeping in an uncomfortable place in a (slightly) hostile environment. Thinking about how could I make myself as comfy as possible in a shed - I was reminded that homeless people rarely live to the ripe old age that I have reached.

“It will be damp - although I will be out of the rain, it will be very hard on the concrete floor and it will be cold and lonely. But at least I will know that I am just doing it for one night and I will take my dog for warmth and company!”

Someone else said: “I've been interested in the work of St Petrock's for some time; it is shocking that you are needed more than ever in the 21st century! I’m well aware of my privilege to be able to go back to my house in the morning, as many others who have slept out through the winter, can't.”

St Petrock’s Director, Peter Stephenson, who will be settling down in his shed for the night, said: “People’s experiences on Friday 12 April won’t compare with the physical and mental trauma of being homeless of course. However, it’ll be a fun way to raise money for our life-saving work supporting rough sleepers and a chance to reflect on what it might be like to have to sleep rough out of necessity.

“Sadly, homelessness in Exeter continues to rise, with our staff providing more home-cooked meals, showers, emotional support, clothing and sleeping bags to rough sleepers, than ever before.

“Between 25 and 35 people are sleeping rough on a typical night in the city centre, but there are many more people who are homeless and hidden from view, either sofa surfing or sleeping in cars, for example.

This will be Peter Stephenson’s sixth sponsored sleep out in his 20 year career in the homelessness sector, however, this will be his first remote sponsored outdoor event.

“The most important thing is safety and choosing safe locations. The second most important thing is keeping warm. Rough sleepers tell us it’s essential to stay dry, as it’s pretty much impossible to stay warm when you’re soaked through.”

Five prizes have been donated by local businesses for the: