Girls sleep rough for homelessness awareness

Several hundred Guides and Brownies have slept rough as part of a “night in a box” event run by Girlguiding Nottinghamshire to build awareness of homelessness.

The group spent the night in Nottingham’s Wollaton Park and raised £5,000 towards a local homelessness charity. Each girl was given a meal of soup and bread, and some cardboard to create a makeshift shelter. 

Participant Siobhan, 11, from 1st Kinoulton Guides, told the Nottingham Post, ‘I've seen homeless people before on the street and wondered what they are doing and where they sleep. You feel sorry for them because they have to sleep like this every night.’

Her unit Leader Alison Popplewell added, ‘The event went really well and we had a great time. I think some of them found out how warm cardboard boxes can be – provided it stays dry. But I think some of them learned that sleeping rough isn't quite what you might think it is.’

Units had prepared for the occasion by exploring the reasons why young people might be homeless. 

Girlguiding offers a wide range of exciting, creative and adventurous opportunities for girls and young women. Find out how your daughter can get involved, or consider volunteering to help make a difference to young people in your area.