This Friday I will be ditching my duvet and swapping comfort for concrete to take part in Sleep Out Bristol 2022. I am an Occupational Therapy student on placement at the One25 at the mo and in just a week of being there I feel immensely inspired by the work this charity does with these women. I wouldn’t be any good at running marathons or swimming across channels but if there’s something I am good at, it’s sleeping -  pretty much anywhere!  

3 in every 4 women that One25 work with experiences homelessness. Horrifying statistics when you feel how cold it’s getting in the UK at this time of year. I'm sleeping out so no woman has to. One25 is a Bristol women's charity which reaches out to some of the city's most marginalised women. One25 support them to move from crisis and trauma, towards independence in the community. Wherever they are in their journeys, they give love and practical support, without judgment or expectation. They provide delicious hot meals, endless cups of tea and a safe place to be during the week, there’s an outreach van that gives women safety and comfort on a long night, food parcels, clean clothes and that’s just the beginning. 

I am grateful that on Saturday morning after I’ve spent the night in the cold I can come back to my home to make myself a cup of coffee and have a hot shower and probably climb into bed for a Saturday lie in - that is not a luxury these women have & that’s why I’m doing this.  

Please donate your pounds and pence (and South African Rands too) I really appreciate your support. Every bit counts! Your generosity will help One25 to continue to provide life-changing services to brave and resilient women.