ROSSALL NEWS

Sleeping Out for a Cause: Our Students Support the Street Life Trust

“On Saturday 21st March, 20 Sixth Form students and four members of staff came together to take part in a truly memorable and meaningful event, Sleeping Out for Street Life. Braving the cold, the group spent the night on the Fives Courts, equipped with nothing more than sleeping bags and cardboard, to raise both funds and awareness for the incredible work of the Street Life Trust, a local charity supporting vulnerable young people in Blackpool.

The evening began with high spirits and a strong sense of purpose, and it was inspiring to see that enthusiasm remain throughout the night. We were delighted to welcome many members of our school community who stopped by to show their support. Students kept themselves occupied with card games and conversation, and impressively, some dedicated Year 13s even brought along past papers to revise.

A campfire brought warmth and a chance to share songs and stories. At midnight, the group set off on a short walk in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Although they did not make an appearance, the sense of adventure and camaraderie certainly did. After warming up with cups of hot soup, the group settled down for the night, facing the real challenge: would anyone manage to sleep?

While there were a few restless moments and a couple more trips for soup, the group showed real resilience. At 6 am, Mrs. Moore’s alarm signalled the start of a new day and brought with it an unexpected reward: a breathtaking sunrise that provided the perfect ending to a special night.

We are incredibly proud of our students. Their positivity, determination, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones for such an important cause truly demonstrate the strength of character within our school community. Events like this highlight not only their compassion but also their leadership and commitment to making a difference.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who supported the event so generously. By Friday, nearly £400 had been raised, but by Sunday evening, this had risen to an incredible £1,100. The JustGiving page will remain open for a further two weeks for anyone who still wishes to contribute. The link is here.

Moments like this are a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for a shared purpose. If this is the next generation of leaders, the future is indeed very bright.”

— Mrs Jennifer Moore, Director of Wellbeing

“The sleepout event was a powerful and eye-opening experience. Spending the night outside on cardboard, even in a safe school environment, gave us a small insight into the reality that many people face every night. One of the most memorable parts was how quickly the discomfort set in, especially with how cold it got. These discomforts made the purpose of the event feel very real.

Even though I partake in these kinds of activities every year independently, a key highlight was the sense of unity throughout the night. Everyone supported each other, whether that was sharing layers, making king-sized beds out of cardboard, talking to stay awake, or just keeping morale up. It turned something physically uncomfortable into something meaningful and, at times, even uplifting.

What made the event important was not just raising money, but raising awareness. It challenged assumptions about homelessness and made it clear that it is not just about not having a home, but about insecurity, isolation, and lack of basic comfort. Even though we knew we could go home the next day, it still had an impact. It made us realise how difficult it must be for those who do not have that choice.

Overall, the sleepout was more than just a fundraiser. It was an experience that encouraged empathy, resilience, and a stronger understanding of an issue that often gets overlooked.”

— Sofia F, Year 12 Student