Students and staff at Prior Park College spent a Friday night participating in the school’s inaugural Sleep Out. Organised by Prior’s Chaplaincy Committee, the event saw students spending the night sleeping outside in the grounds of the school to raise money and awareness for homelessness in Bath and the work of Genesis Trust. Despite a freezing autumn evening, spirits were high and the students raised £2,785!
Sachin (U6) writes of his experience: ‘The Prior Park Sleep Out allowed students to experience as closely as possible what it feels like to be homeless for just one night. The event was kindly set up by Genesis Trust, a charity that helps with homelessness in Bath. At the beginning of the evening, we listened to a talk from Sue Fourie, one of the life project managers at Genesis Trust, explaining Genesis Trust’s message and importance. We then heard from Darren, a man who experienced homelessness and has been through Genesis’ rehabilitation programme. He told us about his life and explained to us how his faith and the money raised by Genesis, helps him.
‘After the talks we spent time as a group outside; we played some games and sat around a campfire. Mr Watkinson-Trim, one of our theology teachers was also sleeping out, and spoke to us all and gave us time to reflect and thank the Lord for all that we have. After this we set up for the night ahead. We looked for areas that could bring us some shelter from the rain and using cardboard boxes and the sleeping bags we were allowed to bring, set up our sleeping areas. We settled down together for a rough night.
‘The U6 (Year 13) all slept out on the Mansion steps overlooking the amazing view of Bath. It was very hard to sleep through the howling winds and the loud snores of Mr Watkinson-Trim, but it gave us an idea of what it would be like sleeping rough. Despite being a tough night that left us all very tired, we were able to make amazing memories with our friends, bond with other year groups and most importantly help raise money for an amazing charity. It has given us a new appreciation for how tough life can be, renewed gratitude for what we have, and we hope the money raised can help do some good.”
Mike Blaikley, a teacher at the College who helped the students organise the event, said, “One of the greatest privileges of being a teacher is seeing the calibre and character of the young people we serve. I was humbled by the enthusiasm, humour and selflessness of those who took on the challenge of sleeping rough and raising money to support the work of the Genesis Trust.
“Whether from divine humour or more mundane air currents, a week of glorious sunshine ended in howling winds, torrential rain and the odd flash flood – perfect conditions for the inaugural Prior Park Sleep Out! However, the conditions just added to the authenticity of the event, and beautifully, as the kids settled down for the night, the clouds cleared and the stars emerged.
“For me, the highlight was Darren’s story. It was raw, unadulterated and highlighted the very real challenges facing our homeless community in Bath and just how easy it is for anyone to find themselves in that situation. His message and the experience as a whole had a profound impact on students and staff alike. I look forward to returning to my favoured puddle along the basement corridor next year for the Prior Park Sleep Out 2023!”
To find out more about life at Prior Park College visit www.priorparkcollege.com.