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A group of 40 Â鶹´«Ã½ colleagues across the United Kingdom braved the cold this past February to participate in the sixth with thousands of other volunteers. This is the fourth year we have participated in this event to raise both funds and awareness of the homelessness crisis facing many young people aged 16-25. Representing the offices in Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Leeds, London, and Manchester, this year¡¯s group raised ?10,033, exceeding last year¡¯s contribution by nearly ?1,000. Funds raised directly supports young adults in need by securing safe shelter, providing rent assistance, refurbishment costs, and/or supplies, as well as upskilling, training, and employment guidance.

This year¡¯s participants faced even colder weather than last year, with temperatures hovering around 0¡ãC. As in years past, those sleeping out did so in public venues such as car parks or multi-use performing art spaces. Volunteers were given a cardboard box which many unfolded into a sleeping mat atop the cold concrete. Unlike most homeless youth, those participating had plenty of warm layers to wear along with blankets and sleeping bags to curl up in. Those enlisting in this endeavor understood this is not a true representation of what it¡¯s like to be homeless, however, it offered an insight into the struggles unhoused youth face every day such as finding safe shelter, acclimating to weather extremes, and securing basic humanitarian needs like food, water, and clothing. At the end of the event, participants experienced a renewed sense of appreciation for not having the same daily struggles and worries.