A massive thank you to over 70 Year 9 pupils from The Perse School in Cambridge who took part in a sponsored sleepout, raising over £4,200 to support our vital work.
The pupils spent the night bedded down around the Upper site of the school last Friday (2 May), supported by a group of 13 Sixth Form volunteers who helped on the night. The pupils took part in a game where they had to earn ‘money’ to buy cardboard to sleep on by completing different tasks.
In addition, three of the Year 9 pupils – Olivia, Amy and Lei – boosted the appeal by busking in Cambridge city centre, making a further £40 for the charity based in Landbeach.
Thanks also to our staff members and companions who attended and spoke to pupils about their own experiences of rough sleeping and the work we do to support people to get back on their feet after being homeless.
Our companions Dion, Gary and Adam spoke candidly about the trauma of homelessness and what it feels like to live on the streets. They gave pupils some useful advice for the night ahead. Staff members Jill Pettit and Elizabeth Gilzean explained the work we do to support people after homelessness.
Donna Talbot, our Chief Executive Officer said: “A huge thank you to all involved in this activity, especially the pupils from The Perse School for wanting to both learn about the impact of homelessness and raise funds to help address it.
“We don’t make light of being homeless. Sleeping outdoors for just one night is far from the reality of what it must feel like to be sleeping on a hard floor night after night, at the mercy of the elements, worrying about where your next meal will come from, with an uncertain and often unsafe future.
“This event provided a glimpse into the lives of people who have directly experienced it and in the case of our staff, the challenges people face through the work that they do at Emmaus Cambridge.”
Emma Kenzie, Charities Co-ordinator for The Perse School said: “This experience was a valuable and eye-opening opportunity for our pupils to reflect on the reality that homelessness can happen to anyone, often through no fault of their own.
“Even one night sleeping outside gave them some understanding into just how tough and uncomfortable it must be to face those conditions regularly.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the Emmaus Cambridge staff and companions who generously gave up their evening to share their personal stories. Hearing directly from those with lived experience was deeply moving and left a lasting impression.
“Our pupils gained a much deeper understanding of the challenges of homelessness and the vital work Emmaus does to support people in rebuilding their lives.”
Emmaus Cambridge offers more than just a bed for the night. People supported by Emmaus receive a home, tailored support, and the opportunity to gain skills and work opportunities through social enterprises run by the charity. This package of support helps people who have experienced homelessness regain stability, rebuild their confidence and work towards independence.
Supporters can still make a donation to The Perse School’s Year 9 sponsored sleepout appeal by clicking here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/year9emmaussleepout2025