Through their fundraising and experience at Julian House's Big Exeter Sleep Out, Bex Gibson, Sophie Hughes and Anna Waters supported the charity to help them continue combatting homelessness across the South West.
Julian House was one of our charities for 2023/24 and supports vulnerable, at-risk adults and young people.
Its support ranges across the region to provide services to help with homelessness, escaping domestic abuse, adults with learning difficulties and people who need some support after leaving prison.
Through their journey on the GEM programme and our ongoing drive to help improve the housing sector, the colleagues united to experience the feeling of what it’s like to not have a home.
Bex Gibson, Building Safety and Delivery Manager at LiveWest, said: “It was a great experience, but we soon realised that it’s nothing like real situations. We were able to go home to our own beds and we had security. Unfortunately, homeless people don’t have that luxury.
“Experiences like this just make you realise how fortunate you are and shows the importance of our efforts to help combat homelessness.
“Julian House is a brilliant charity which help vulnerable and at-risk individuals. Their values go hand-in-hand with my values and those of LiveWest.”
Part of the event was to sleep at St James’ Park Football Stadium and experience a taste of what it’s like to be sleeping outside in the cold.
Stepping out of warm homes and onto cold floors, the group soon realised how much they rely on the security and comforts of their own home.
Bex added: “When I camp for a hobby, it’s relaxed and I’m enjoying it. But, when you think about homelessness, it’s not relaxing, and it’s not at all enjoyable.
“We are currently in the midst of a cost of living and housing crisis, which can lead to an increase in hidden homelessness; it’s so important that we offer our support.
“When I go to our supported housing schemes and our foyers, I see how passionate and invested our colleagues are in helping our residents on their journey to independent living. I really love that about LiveWest.”
As part of the GEM programme, which helps boost individual’s confidence and become a person of influence, the housing professionals have been engaging in key conversations across the sector.
Anna Waters, our Trainee Housing Officer, shared her thoughts of the experience. She said: “I often reassured myself that being uncomfortable was fine because I’d be home in the morning, and I enjoyed the idea it was my first night sleeping outside.
“But the truth is, this experience did not reflect the reality of living on the streets. We were in a football stadium, under cover, overseen by a security guard all night, had access to free food and drink in the night and morning, had warm clothes, had friends nearby and a car to return home in. That is not the experience of most of those who are homeless.
“This reflection shows the importance of activities like the Big Exeter Sleep Out because you experience a loss of your home comforts for a night and strengthen your appreciation for what you have and appreciation for the difficulties which others face.”
Stay tuned for our Charity of the Year for 2024/25.