COMING SOON

On 6th December 2024, a good number of us gathered at 8pm at St. Peter’s Barge on West India Quay for our annual Sleep Out under the bright lights of Canary Wharf.  The event drew in a wide range of people, including some who had friends who were homeless and others who were part of a local youth club, as well as some newbies, seasoned veterans and staff.  Whereas the previous year had been especially cold, this one was promising to be remembered by Storm Darragh, which was blowing in at some pace!  

The evening started with us all making our cardboard box beds, with a fantastic assortment of designs.  Some were opting for the more basic approach, which was likely to recreate the realities of being on the street, whereas others came determined not to get to wet, with one “DeLorean” style on display!  After setting up camp, we sat for a delicious chilli casserole, after which some of the former guests, who had previously been homeless, volunteered to share their stories.  One guest spoke movingly about the great toll on their mental health that a prolonged experience of being street homeless had caused him, with the realities of huge sleep deprivation.  Another shared how he had been in rehab, dealing with alcohol addiction, before slipping up and ending up homeless.  The stories were moving for everyone. 

Afterwards, we had time to chat but it wasn’t long before it was time to test our boxes against the elements and get some sleep.  We were grateful too for our security representative, who provided a luxury that regular homeless people can’t afford.  As we drifted off to sleep, the rain and winds started to blow up.  As Storm Darragh took a hold of Canary Wharf, we were awoken about 5.45am by the GrowTH Director, saying that it was no longer safe to stay outside.  We moved back indoors into the comforts of St. Peter’s Barge, where some people managed to get back to sleep again before morning.  At last it was time for breakfast, and a coffee and bacon (or vegetarian sausage) sandwich was waiting for the sleepy-eyed campers.  It was an enjoyable but reality-checking experience, and we were glad to be able to raise some fantastic funds for the homeless cause.  

On Friday 2nd December, volunteers and staff (28 in total) slept outside for one night, on the West India Quay, towered over by the imposing buildings and bright lights of Canary Wharf.

It was a bitterly cold night, although we were thankful that the rain held off. Cardboard beds offered a minimal level of protection, although the wind sweeping over the quay was difficult to hide from.

We had gathered on St Peter’s Barge, a partner church of GrowTH, to make our cardboard beds, receive instructions for the night and encourage each other for what was to come. Fast forward to 9pm and the home cooked chilli was served outside, in cardboard containers.

Three previous guests of GrowTH bravely offered to come and share their real life experiences of being street homeless.  This was a time of humbling insight into the challenges of being homeless. It is so, so helpful to hear a different perspective, on an issue that confronts most of us every day. It is difficult to walk through London without seeing someone suffering from street homelessness.

One participant shared, “It was brilliant to hear stories from people who’ve accessed GrowTH…” with many others agreeing that their empathy towards those on the streets has increased.

A quiet but cold night ensued, with participants waking at all hours to enter the barge for a little respite, encouragement or cup of tea. For many, the 7.30am wake up call couldn’t come soon enough and the bacon baps were gratefully wolfed down