Every year the Booth Centre, a charity that supports homeless people in Manchester, organises a sponsored sleepout in the grounds of Manchester Cathedral to raise awareness and funds. When Bishop Graham told me at my confirmation last year that God had “much, much more for me”, I never guessed that sleeping rough would be part of it. I had known of the Booth Centre through church but I had never considered helping until September, when Tim Borthwick and I signed up.
When we set out on Friday 4 November I felt a bit anxious, as I had never been camping or even slept in a sleeping bag. I was wrapped up so warmly that my glasses steamed up! At the cathedral we learned about the work of the Booth Centre. People who slip into homelessness (which is on the increase) lose hope, self-esteem and confidence. This makes it really hard for them to improve their situation. Staff at the Booth Centre work to build self-esteem and confidence through singing, drama and games as well as helping people with their practical needs and training. The visible emotional uplift that the Streetwise Opera performers gained from singing well known arias really moved me.
After talks from the Booth Centre CEO and two ex-rough sleepers, we went out into the cold. The Booth Centre gave us drinks and food throughout the night and we could use the cathedral, so this really was sleeping rough for softies. Still, we were showing solidarity in some way.
So far the sleepout has raised more than £34,000 for the Booth Centre, of which £400 came from my generous sponsors. The experience has definitely made me grateful for a warm bed and a roof over my head. And I had fun – I would definitely do it again. Who wants to join me?
Mike Duncombe
To find out more about the Booth Centre and how you can support them, please see their website, www.boothcentre.org.uk, or the information at the back of St Mary’s.