Sixth formers and staff from Saint Martin’s Girls’ School in Solihull took part in this year’s BIG SleepOut to raise awareness and money for St Basils. The charity, based in Birmingham, works to prevent youth homelessness by providing support and accommodation.
This was the 25th sleep out organised by the charity and they hoped for 414 volunteers to attend the event, to match the number of young people who are supported by St Basils each night. The overall turnout came to 440 volunteers on the night, making this year’s event the biggest in its history.
For their accommodation, girls and staff, including the head of the school, Nicola Edgar, constructed a row of terraced shelters made from cardboard boxes. Layered in bundles of clothing, they braved the night, which all of the volunteers believed to be a small sacrifice to make to raise funds for the charity.
