Success for Watford's big charity sleepout event
Funds were raised for charities supporting the homeless
Residents swapped their beds for sleeping bags and braved the cold and rain last night for Watford's big charity sleepout event.
Watford FC opened its grounds to the public in an event organised by the Council, where each participant paid a fee with all funds redistributed to four charities: New Hope, One YMCA, DENS, and Herts Young Homeless.
The main aim of the event was to encourage residents to put themselves in the shoes of rough sleepers for one night, to experience the difficulties they have to face every single night.
"...we know from experience that a lot of the people that sleep rough are hiding, they don't want to be found because they're scared."
Greatest Hits Radio spoke to New Hope, one of the Watford-based charities offering support and a warm shelter to the homeless who will be benefitting from donations given to the event.
Key worker at New Hope, Juliette Morrison, said: "It's £30 per person to sign up and you take your sleeping bag and experience what it might feel like just for one night, and in these temperatures you can't imagine what it must feel like."
"Whilst you might find people on the streets begging or outside shops, we know from experience that a lot of the people that sleep rough are hiding, they don't want to be found because they're scared."
"People attack them for no reason, try and steal from them, and they would hide."
"...it's a great way to raise awareness for somebody to experience what it might feel like to sleep on the street."
Although the football grounds provided a safe space for participants, which is not always the case for those sleeping on the street, last night's cold and wet weather allowed residents to experience similar weather conditions to what they have to sleep in daily.
Ms Morrison said: "Since I've worked here this is new, I know nationwide it happens all around the country, and it's a great way to raise awareness for somebody to experience what it might feel like to sleep on the street."
"Obviously we've got protection we're in a secure place, so we don't need to fear for our safety which I imagine on the streets people do."
There are many reasons why people can find themselves without a home, and current pressures are no exception.
Between the cost-of-living crisis and the housing crisis, more families are found on the brink of poverty, pushing more out on the street every day.
Although pressures are felt nationally, Watford Council ensures provisions are in place to support as many in need as possible.
The team of volunteers and staff at New Hope pride themselves in the hard work they do, especially in not giving up on anyone, and work closely with the council to provide support to those in need.