Im leaving my home and car behind and taking to the road for fourteen days and nights and sleeping in churchyards. Why?

The biggest reason is that I want to talk about homelessness and rough sleeping. Its still a part of life in Britain and we need to end it. We still think of ending homelessness as giving people a home but after seventeen years of working with people who are homeless, I know its not that simple. Yes, we need more housing and we need better quality housing at the cheaper end of the market. But we also need to listen to the stories of those who have been homeless and how they moved away from the street. Time and again it is relationships that hold the key. Being valued, listened to, and trusted. Being given time and space to realise that you are worth something, that you have skills, and that people might actually like you.

Sleeping out for fourteen days wont make me a rough sleeper. Compared to the real thing my fortnight will be easy but I dont think I will find it easy. I like my bed. I like my home. I like cooking for myself and I have things to fill my time. What will I do without a shower and a wardrobe and clean socks? It really isnt a good way to live but for some, it becomes all too normal.

Hopefully, Ill be sharing the journey with people who have lived on the street and learning from them as I go. And Ill be meeting others who never have. You can join in too by following my progress and hearing my thoughts, probably moans and groans about my back or the weather, but hopefully some insights too.