10 things I learned from the LandAid SleepOut 2021

10 things I learned from the physical, mental and sensory experience of sleeping outside.

I caveat this article by saying, quite simply, that I don't really have any clue what it's like to sleep rough night after night. But one night, alongside 550 property professionals, gave me just a small insight into the challenges faced by a young rough sleeper.

1. It was COLD. Even with a hat, gloves, duvet and blanket, in March.

A young rough sleeper in the UK’s coldest winter months would be vulnerable to hypothermia, frostbite and other cold-related illnesses.

2. I felt UNSAFE. I was on my balcony two floors up, in a controlled environment and in what was, to all intents and purposes, a very safe experiment. I still felt uneasy.

A young rough sleeper, particularly female, is at risk of violent assault, sexual harassment or worse.

3. It was NOISY. Wow, I never realised how much traffic London has. Every motorbike sounded like a meteor and I could hear people chatting even streets away. Everything seemed amplified.

A young rough sleeper would be subject to constant sleep disruption from noise, as well as anxiety from people constantly walking past.

4. I could SMELL things all night. I wasn’t expecting this, but I could smell cigarette smoke all night from my neighbours.

A young rough sleeper would be exposed to constant sensory distractions disrupting sleep, from smoke to food and more.

5. There was no BATHROOM. I realised I take for granted having a clean, safe bathroom.

A young rough sleeper, particularly in an urban city centre, could have real trouble finding public access bathrooms to assert their basic right to hygiene.

6. I value my POSSESSIONS - all I had out there was my phone, bottle of water, duvet and a protein bar. I realised how much I rely on every single one.

A young rough sleeper might not even have those, and could easily be at risk of having their only possessions stolen.

7. I was THIRSTY all night. I am always thirsty but, then again, I always have access to clean drinking water.

A young rough sleeper, without access to clean water, is exposed to all sorts of health risks, including hydration, viruses like COVID-19 and all other risks with no sanitation.

8. I got really HUNGRY. I always get hungry at night and regularly raid the snack drawer at 3am. But sleeping in the cold left me craving something hot and soothing.

A young rough sleeper may have limited access to food, be at risk of malnutrition and live constantly without the comfort of hot food.

9. I was LONELY. I did the sleepout myself, but really felt the loneliness of being outside in the open air alone. We often draw our comfort from other human beings, for a chat, for solidarity or for a hug (pre COVID!)

A young rough sleeper, even if sleeping with others, may feel like they have no-one to turn to for support or an electronic device to stay connected with the world.

10. I am TERRIFIED by the thought of having to do it for more than one night. I can only imagine the fear and hopelessness that a young rough sleeper would feel, looking ahead to the following night in a constant cycle, not least thinking about the rest of their lives.

LandAid does not just support young rough sleepers - but whether homelessness is visible or hidden - all homelessness has severe risks to mental and physical wellbeing, and even to life.

And all must be eliminated if we are to create a society that is fair, equitable, sustainable. A society where everyone has a chance of a future - and a happy, productive one. Where we use society's human resources and the potential of ALL of our young people to their greatest effect. And where no young person feels unsafe, unprotected or unloved.

Thank you LandAid for all your hard work on putting this event together, on the work you do to unite our industry behind this cause.