The Railway Children Sleepout 2022: One Night of Hardship For a Lifetime of Change.

The Railway Children Sleepout 2022: one night of hardship for a lifetime of change.

On Thursday, 31st of March 2022, Linbrooke volunteers swapped their home comforts and warm beds to spend the night sleeping on a cold concrete floor at the Leeds station to support the Railway Children charity.

Railway Children has been fighting for children alone and at risk on the streets for over 22 years. Over 300 people across the industry participated in the Sleepout, raising vital funds to support thousands of children faced with unthinkable challenges in their early lives.

Linbrooke volunteers commented that the experience was very humbling. The night was cold, with temperatures dropping to 1⁰C.

Abigail Smith, Corporate Social Responsibility & Environmental Manager, added: "Although we had access to toilet facilities, hot beverages, and prepared for the cold, many of us underestimated how difficult sleeping in such a difficult environment would be. Our eyes were opened to the reality of many children's lives, particularly how bright & noisy it can be, especially when strangers try to interrupt your sleep. We are so pleased to have raised nearly £3000 for this important cause, and we are looking forward to getting involved with the charity more in the future."

Keeping children safe from violence, abuse and exploitation for 25 years.

The Railway Children Charity works with vulnerable children and families across the UK and around the streets and stations of East Africa and India, where many are forced to survive in terrible conditions. Without anyone to care for and protect them, they face violence, abuse, and exploitation every day. Railway Children's outreach workers race to reach them before a predator does and before they are lost to a life of fear and trauma. Events such as the Sleepout are just one of the ways the charity raises the vital funds they need to keep these children safe and make sure they have a better, brighter future.

You can learn more about the Railway Children charity by clicking here.