IF group members support Big Sleep Out

Four members of IF, Golden Key’s advisory group of experts by experience, braved the elements and spent Friday night sleeping in a church yard in support of Bristol’s Big Sleep Out.

The group joined hundreds of others, including Bristol Mayor George Ferguson and Independent IFB Parliamentary Candidate Dawn Parry, to highlight the reality many homeless people in the city face.  The annual event provides an insight into what life can be like without a safe place to call home, it also aims to raise awareness of how people can make a difference.

Lisa, one of the IF group members, explains why the event was so powerful:

“Taking part in the Big Sleep Out meant a lot to the IF Group.  Many of us have experienced rough sleeping, street homelessness and the threat of eviction.  

Homelessness is central to those who suffer with complex needs - recovery comes with having a safe place to go back to and to call home.  I know only too well the joy of having my own key, and the pain of losing a roof over my head.  I certainly felt gratitude when talking to some of the people who shared their hard lived experience of homelessness.

One of the IF Group members was homeless in the very spot we slept out in on Friday night.  He shared his memories with us, George Ferguson and Dawn Parry, throughout the night.  He is an example of someone who has successfully turned his life around with the help of Bristol services.  The sad reality is that many don't get that chance or don't know where to turn to for help"

Barry Double, Second Step volunteer, also took part in the sleep out.  During the night Barry made a speech to over 200 people, sharing his thoughts on homelessness:

“I think it’s really important not to forget where you’ve come from, so taking part in the Big Sleep Out meant a lot to me.  Having spent many months in the past sleeping rough, the night brought back a lot of memories for me and was a very emotional experience.  When I was asked to talk to the group I wanted to stress to those taking part that however cold, wet and uncomfortable they were, the next morning they could go home, get warm and have a cup of tea.  For homeless people that is their reality day in and day out.”

Golden Key supports people who are farthest away from services, many of whom are homeless.  Our work has shown that all too often homeless people are seen simply as people who need a home and yet so often their problems are more complex.  By understanding this and offering the right support in the right way and at the right time the partnership aims to bring about change.