Pupils at Lawn Manor Academy have taken part in a powerful assembly on homelessness in Swindon, helping them understand the realities of the issue and the growing local crisis.
The session was delivered by Threshold, the Swindon charity that supports people affected by homelessness. It explored the different forms homelessness can take, showing pupils that it is not always visible.
These included rough sleeping, sofa surfing, temporary accommodation and insecure housing, alongside the complex reasons people can lose their homes.
The charity also explained why homelessness has become a growing concern in Swindon. Pupils learned about the pressures facing local individuals and families, including rising living costs, a lack of affordable housing, relationship breakdown, mental health challenges and job insecurity.
As part of the project, pupils were invited to create art and poetry to present at Threshold’s upcoming Sleep Out 26 event on 20 February. The event challenges participants to spend one night sleeping outside at Lawn Manor Academy to raise funds and show solidarity with people experiencing homelessness.
The school’s house groups are also filling shopping trolleys with food donations for Threshold to distribute to people who are struggling to eat.
Year 10 pupils Makanaka and Asma took part in the assembly. Asma said, “Homelessness is a big struggle and not a lot of people get the opportunity to overcome it, but Threshold helps provide people with the support and education they need.”
Makanaka added, “It was positive to learn that even when you’re at your lowest, you can find your way back up. The Sleep Out would be pretty cool to do; it sounds fun to do it at school.”
Rachel Harris, Fundraising and Communications Manager at Threshold, said, “Homelessness is a complex issue and it’s important that young people understand the different forms it can take. The pupils at Lawn Manor Academy showed great insight into the issues and were keen to help shine a light on the homelessness crisis in Swindon.
“Sleep Out 26 is a great opportunity for the community to get involved in bringing an end to homelessness in our town and, in the meantime, to help us continue supporting those who need it most.”
Sleep Out 26 is open to anyone aged 11 and above. Registration costs £7.50 for children and £15 for adults, and participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for the challenge.
Places for People has awarded Threshold a £1,000 grant to help run the event. Village Hotel Swindon, Gel Studios and Rapid Relief Team UK will also be donating hot and cold refreshments.
All proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorship will go towards providing people in Swindon with a safe place to live, as well as support to help them address their challenges and regain independence.
Lawn Manor Academy is part of the Ascend Learning Trust.
