On Friday 5th December, 14 QE students and two staff members took part in the annual QE Sleep Out for Centrepoint, spending a cold, wet night on the streets of Darlington to raise vital funds for the charity
Centrepoint is the UK’s leading youth homelessness charity, dedicated to providing essential support to individuals aged 16 25, helping them find safe accommodation, and guidance towards education, and employment opportunities. With an ambitious goal to end youth homelessness by 2037, their Sleep Out campaign challenges participants to experience one night in harsh conditions so that no young person has to face homelessness alone, a cause our students were eager to champion.
Despite freezing temperatures, persistent rain, a night on concrete, and even visits from urban foxes and hooting owls, the group showed incredible commitment and resilience. One student even celebrated their seventeenth birthday during the Sleep Out, making the experience truly unforgettable.
Their efforts have been outstanding, raising an amazing £1,700 so far, a remarkable achievement that will help Centrepoint provide life-changing support to young people in need. Their work will take 11 individuals off the streets for a year, a shining example of young people helping young people and reflects the strong sense of community and compassion here at QE.
We couldn’t be prouder of our students for stepping out of their comfort zones and enduring the elements to make a real difference for vulnerable young people across the UK.
