I always am thankful for how fortunate I am - I am truly thankful for my adventure through my first 57 years of life. However working for a housing association and knowing the work of the Burton YMCA - I know that for some people that adventure cannot be as straightforward- often due to no fault of their own. As I write this I look outside and see torrents of rain coming down and it emphasises the point.

Imagine you have nowhere to sleep tonight. You have lost your home, nowhere to go, frightened and cold. You may find a dry place to rest in a doorway, or the rear of some shops. As each day and night changes, your mental health starts to decline, you are feeling unwell with no food or relying on donations from passers by.

No one asks to be homeless, everyone deserves a place to call home.

I will be joining others for one night outside in the raw elements with a cardboard box and sleeping bag to keep me company. A truly humbling experience.

Thank you