Worthing sleep-out is ‘fantastic experience’

Eighty-one people took part in the annual Worthing Churches Homeless Projects sleep-out at Broadwater CofE First and Middle School.

Rachel Blair, community fundraiser for WCHP, said: “It was as usual, a fantastic, challenging experience and some really valuable conversations were had about homelessness.

“Some people slept well, others struggled with noises and the cold which is the reality of what it is like to be homeless.”

Volunteers cooked a hot meal for participants at the start of the night and in the morning there was tea, toast, coffee and leftover cakes and biscuits for those who wanted them.

While the event simulated a night on the streets, those taking part still had access to toilet and kitchen facilities – something the homeless do not have.

“Many of the people we work with have to get to work, interviews or the job centre after a night spent out and do not have the option of any more than a freshen up in a public toilet, ” said Rachel.