On Friday 20th of August 2021, I travelled to Optus Stadium with other All Saints Students to take part in the Anglicare Sleepout that raises money to support people experiencing homelessness.

Throughout the evening, we completed a simulation activity in groups with students from other schools. The people in each group had the same character card and needed to try and find things, such as a place to sleep, identification, and Centrelink, amongst other things. I found this activity really eye-opening into the struggles that homeless people face on a daily basis.

To simulate the experience of what it is like to sleep rough, we all had a piece of cardboard to sleep on as well as our sleeping bags, and were provided a light meal for breakfast and dinner. I found the sleep cold and uncomfortable, but it really highlighted to me how lucky I am to have a bed to sleep in at night and food in the fridge that I can have at any time.

I feel that this was a really great event that raised a lot of money and awareness for the issue. I had a really good time and I learned a lot about the daily struggles that homeless people face.