'It was great to be involved in the Big Sleep Out and whilst we all enjoyed ourselves, the event certainly did bring home the reality of life for those forced to live on the streets. Both my colleagues and I are in awe of the fantastic work Winchester Churches Nightshetler and Trinity are able to achieve on such tight budgets. To be able to help in some small way was a privilege. Winchester is indeed fortunate to have two such splendid organisations in the city centre, long may you continue until such day as homelessness can be made a thing of the past. Congratulations on organising a great event, we know you will make every penny work extremely hard for the benefit of Winchester's homeless community. Well done to all who took part too, whether they opted for the cold stone floor of the Cathedral or the slightly soggy surroundings of the Inner Close. Everybody should feel very proud of what they have achieved.
Keith Wilson, Manager, City Centre Partnership and Winchester BID.

‘Nobody felt they were really experiencing what it was like to be homeless or to sleep rough – when loneliness, lack of food, poor health and fear for personal safety add to concerns about when you will find a bed and have a chance to rebuild your life. But sleeping out for the night focused all our thoughts, particularly when we opened the doors of the Cathedral in the morning to find 3 rough sleepers who had been sleeping out all night in the outer Close and were likely to have to do so again the following night. We were overwhelmed by the support we received from our fantastic Big Sleepers on the night, from all the volunteers, and for all your hardwork raising sponsorship - thank you all so much on behalf of Winchester Churches Nightshelter; we will make sure all money raised makes a real difference to the homeless in Hampshire. None of this could have happened without the warm support of the Dean and Chapter and Winchester Cathedral staff - particularly the Head Virger, Daren Gibb, who has to be the hero of the night. Sleep well.'
Sarah Lloyd, Chair of Winchester Churches Nightshelter

'Hearing, from people who had been rough sleepers, how charities like the Winchester Churches Nightshelter and the Trinity Centre had helped them get their lives back on track was very moving and thought-provoking. It wasn't too great being woken by the rain at half past three in the morning, but in the end, no matter how wet we got, sleeping out on one damp night in May is nothing like having to do it through the winter or for weeks or months on end. The whole event was brilliantly organised and there was a great community spirit. I hope we've all managed to raise a good amount of money as well. It was great that so many people got involved in raising money and making a difference'.
Martin Tod, Parliamentary Candidate for the Liberal Democrat Party

'Been spending a lot of time at Winchester Cathedral at the moment... on Friday night, I was there for "The Big Sleep Out" (which I'd probably rename the Big Rough Out as it didn't involve a whole lot of sleep! The event was officially running on a wet weather plan inside the Cathedral, rather than the Cathedral grounds, and plenty of people took advantage of this, finding the warmest spots. I know several who stayed outside ALL night, but although we started outside, it started to rain around 2.30am, so we bolted for the Cathedral... which was very cold, and the floor was very hard (and quite damp still)... but this is similar to what someone who is homeless for real would do, they would find a carpark or some such to camp out in. '.
Dr Bex Lewis, Syleham, Suffolk

'We decided to sleep outside. I’m glad I’ve done it – once. No-one should have to do it more than that. The organisation was really impressive and I was grateful that there were people looking out for us all night. Thanks to those who did without sleep so that we could catch at least some ourselves. I was happy to go home to a warm house, and appreciate the plight of those who sometimes can’t. I was particularly grateful for the personal testimony that people shared with us about how “stuff happens” to make us slide down so quickly and uncontrollably. I will continue to do my bit to help people back up into formal society'.
Brian Collin, City Councillor for Olivers Battery and Badger Farm

'As a regular Nightshelter volunteer I welcomed the opportunity to 'sleep rough' for a night so I could have a 'taster' of what some of the guests must have experienced. 'Seeing hundreds of others also sleeping rough was an awesome sight and the atmosphere and food were fantastic. It's also great to know that so much money was raised both for the Nightshelter and the Trinity Centre. Bring on the next one!'.
Victoria Fisher

'What a splendid night. Lots of laughter amidst all the provoking & moving issues raised & I think that many folk got a lot out of it for sure – awareness was raised & we were all entertained & informed – loved the army BBQ too – & the Raymond Blanc soup – loved sleeping in the Cathedral even if not a lot of sleep - although I think I got about 4 or 5 hours but woke up wondering where on earth I was having pitched my cardboard box on the floor by Cardinal Beaufort’s Chantry Chapel - but hey how many people can say they did that!! The Cathedral was amazingly warm at night too - maybe all those sleeping bodies raised the temperature!'.
Jonathan Walker, a previous manager of Winchester Churches Nightshelter

''The generosity of everyone involved with this event, both those who made it possible and those who took part, has been stunning. The sight of the Mayor, Mayoress and Mayor Designate in their sleeping bags on the Cathedral floor speaks volumes about the City's commitment to the less advantaged members of our community'.
Jo James, a Director of Winchester Churches Nightshelter

'Thanks to all who took part in the Big Sleep Out – and congratulations to those who braved the elements and slept outside. For those of us who slept inside the cathedral it was strange sleeping beneath the tombs of Saxon kings and hearing their occasion snores! Of course, none of us would have experienced the frustration and despair of those who really are homeless and see no end to their problems. However, we did draw the attention to the fact that, even in a prosperous area like Winchester, there are many homeless and disadvantaged people and we raised a significant amount of money for two of the local charities who help them. On behalf of Trinity, thanks again to all who took part in the Sleep Out and also to those who sponsored them.'
John Craig, Trustee Trinity Winchester

'It was an experience I would not have missed for the world. I tried to grab a few minutes sleep behind the Cathedral Calligraphy stand, but the fantastic acoustics magnified someone’s snore so much it was impossible to sleep!! People who sleep rough all the time have far more to contend with during the night. The feeling of solidarity with the homeless was tangible and I was thrilled to see people from so many different churches and organisations from near and far. Everyone came together for a single purpose and that gave the event a special quality. All the speakers pointed out that we were in no way recreating what it is like to sleep rough – but for one night we identified with those who do. Ed Mitchell’s presence demonstrated that we are all just a few wrong choices away from homelessness and I am so proud to be part of a project that aims to give people a lift up onto the first rung of the ladder. Walking with people at the start of this difficult climb back is a tremendous privilege. The event will last long in my memory, as I am sure it will in the minds of all those who took part.'
Liz Howe, Project Administrator, Winchester Churches Nightshelter

'Despite the ominus weather outlook, it was great to arrive to a scene of cardboard boxes, sleeping bags, banners and laughter. It was clear to see that there were many participants for the event who all took part in the evening's activities after being very well fed by the Army bbq. Although not everyone braved the elements, everybody slept some what 'rough' which was a real eye opener and experience to the harsh circumstances that homeless people face. It was a great event to raise awareness of the homeless and to give money to the supporting charities!'
Alex

Sleeping rough
It's raining on my face at three a.m.
My sleeping bag is soaked, the ground is hard,
My carefully composed cocoon of card
Has sagged into a claggy coat of mush.
On the Cathedral grounds there lies a hush,
As we observe this roofless requiem
For those that died of cold, or burnt alive,
Rough sleepers without homes. We think of them.
Ponder what brought us here; what made us strive
To raise these funds. My hat over my eyes
I listen to the rain. Sleep's a surprise;
I blink, then squint and find it's ten to five
To my relief. What's it like, sleeping rough?
I have an inkling - and that's enough.
Thank you for reading.
Thomas Tyrrell