Just Another Saturday Night

Cardboard city in Wolverhampton

I'm writing this latest blog in a bit of a haze. I guess that's what comes of sleep deprivation in almost sub-zero temperatures on a Saturday night in Wolverhampton.


Last night myself and a bunch of colleagues layered-up and spent the night in a cardboard box in Wolverhampton city centre to support the YMCA's 2014 Sleep Easy campaign.

According to the YMCA, nearly 9,000 young people sleep rough in the UK every night. It's a frightening statistic - especially when you think that around 80% of those are homeless through no fault of their own.

Myself, Charlie, Pauline, Cara, Olly, Jo and Brit - colleagues from Wolverhampton Homes - wanted to raise awareness of the plight of the thousands of kids who have nowhere to call home - and to help raise a few quid to help the YMCA in the Black Country, who not only provide shelter for young people, but who help give them that first step into getting off the streets and handing them back their lives.

We were each issued with a cardboard box which were to become our homes for the next twelve hours. It soon dawned on us that when your homeless, what do you do? We'd all come prepared with sleeping bags and extra layers of clothing but with only one deck of cards between us - it became obvious that the next twelve hours were going to go by exceptionally slowly. After making one game of 'chase the ace' and 'cheat' last for almost an hour, the temperature started to drop so we made the most of the shelter of the student union hallway for a cup of coffee and a bit of warmth.

It's a spacious city-centre-living, eco-friendly property 

We then joined the other 25 or so people who'd signed up to take part; mostly students, YMCA workers and volunteers; around the camp fire to hear stories from those in the group who'd actually been homeless and who the YMCA had helped to get back on their feet. Without exception, the stories were heart-wrenching. One guy, Liam, had come over to England from Northern Ireland as a teenager to be reconciled with his mom. But before long his mom abandoned him for a second time in his life leaving Liam homeless and with nowhere to go. All of the people we heard from had become homeless because of family break-ups. The laughter and camaraderie we'd felt earlier in the evening was slowly being replaced with a sense of sadness and a realisation of how fortunate we really are.

My cardboard box selfie

Come 1am, with the temperature dropping towards zero, we clambered into our boxes to try and get some sleep; a task at which most of us failed. The biting cold wind, the sirens, drunken football fans chanting and the tormenting chimes of St Peter's church bells made sleep nearly impossible. It's strange how church bells during the day go almost unnoticed - but at night, their piercing sound rings so loud with its hourly frequency (but feels like every five minutes when you're in a frozen slumber) reminding you where you are - and how slowly time can pass when all you crave is warmth and comfort.

I dozed in and out of consciousness, but the longing for rest was futile. At nearly 7am we staggered out of our boxes, looking cold, disheveled and humbled. Sleeping out for just one night really takes its toll on your body...and your mental wellbeing's not in great shape either.

Cara described it as the worst night of her life. Difficult to disagree with that sentiment. But whereas we could slope away to our cars and head to our homes and warm beds - thousands of kids aren't that lucky. The thought of having to spend another night in those conditions genuinely could make me cry. And we had a safe place to stay, hot drinks and toilet facilities on-tap. It's no wonder homeless kids often take to drugs and alcohol abuse. You'd need it just to numb out the cold, the noises, the loneliness. 

In 2014 in the UK, no-one should have to live like this.

Pauline and Cara's body language says it all.

So; cold, hungry and humbled I feel strangely satisfied that I've done my bit. I spent the night with some great people and we've helped raise a few pounds so that maybe a few kids get the chance to have the fortunate life which I know I take for granted.

If you can spare a few quid, you can donate here.

I'll be back in a week or so having hopefully completed number 26 on my list of 30 things to do...I'm off north of the border.

Let me leave you with this...