Medical students sleep rough in Leicester to help the homeless
Scores of students slept rough last night to raise awareness of homelessness.
About 100 medical students from the University of Leicester spent 12 hours camped out at the Clock Tower, in Leicester city centre.
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Students sleeping rough in Leicester to raise money for Action Homeless
They paid £5 each and hope to raise even more cash through sponsorship for the charity Action Homeless.
The event was organised by Homed, a project run as part of Medsin Leicester at the university.
Co-ordinator Laurel Struthers, 21, said: "The issues surrounding homelessness are important to us, not only as members of the public but as future healthcare professionals."
The budding doctors wrapped up warmly and bought flasks of tea and coffee to keep them going during the night.
Student Natalie Orr, 19, said: "The highlight of this campaign, for me, has been speaking to homeless people who are really glad that they're getting support."
The students also had help from a number organisations including the Salvation Army, who brought them hot drinks and soup.
Supermarket Morrisons, in Freemans Common, also donated cardboard boxes for them to sleep on.
Rob Parkinson, chief executive of Action Homeless, said: "What the students will experience is just the tip of the iceberg for people who have to face sleeping rough every night."
Watch the Citizens' Eye video of interviews at during the event.
10 Comments
by Natasha, Oadby
Thursday, May 13 2010, 12:31PM
“"the money goes straight away to buy alchohol and drugs." Vik, if you think about it, if they are genuinly homeless, I don't blame them for turning to drink and drugs. We can't judge because I think some of us would rather turn to the bottle to help block out the fact that you were sleeping on the street than sit there mind numbingly bored 24/7. Think about it.”
by Student, Leicester
Thursday, May 13 2010, 12:48AM
“I took part in the Sleepout, and am extremely proud of the organisers. The fact that we had sleeping bags, blankets and tea/coffee, and were still incredibly cold and uncomfortable, just helped us to appreciate even more that people have to endure these conditions without the luxuries that we were lucky enough to have. The aim was to raise awareness- if that makes it a 'publicity stunt', then so be it. We learnt from the homeless people who shared their experiences with us, and in turn they appreciated that attention was being drawn to their situation. If the 100 or so young people who took part all take away the message that homelessness is not an issue that should be forgotten and pushed into the background, and they spread the word, then maybe something can be done to tackle the problem.”
by Ranbir, Vancouver, Canada
Thursday, May 13 2010, 12:43AM
“In reply to Mr Leicester's comments. If it raises public awareness, which is what I believe the organisers were hoping for. Then yes it is a puiblicity stunt in the truest sense of the phrase. If more people were sympathetic to the plight of the truly homeless then hopefully one day it could be eradicated from our society. If you can't be part of the cure don't be a part of the problem.”
by Mr. Leicester, Leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 5:13PM
“'The budding doctors wrapped up warmly and bought flasks of tea and coffee to keep them going during the night.'
Just exactly how is this sleeping rough?
Sounds like more of a publicity stunt.”
by malcolm david, leicesterhow
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 4:24PM
“how dos gibson know she was not homeless as the night shelter give out close donatid by the big shops and the close are all new as i saw in the leeds night shelter”
by malcolm, leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 4:08PM
“have been there was homeless for severn weeks last year in leed.s and know what its like to be homeless its not a nice thing as its cold at night i was lucky i got a bed in the night shelter but i whold not do it again as its not a nice thing you heet all walks of life in the night shelter and less you have been ther do not call them”
by Hollie, Leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 2:06PM
“Even if the students at Leicester University only helped one homeless person that truly needed the support and aid that they were offering then they have made a difference and done a job worth doing.
The organisers of homed were not encouraging you to give money to beggars on the streets but to give to such organisations so they can give it to the people that really do need help and are sleeping rough night after night because they have nowhere else to turn.
I am so proud of the students that slept out as they have recognised a problem and are prepared to work hard and do what is needed to help and benefit others. Maybe if we all took this approach rather than stereotyping or judging those that are homeless more can be done to help those in need.”
by Nelly, Leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 12:04PM
“The point you are missing is that Action Homeless (and other organisations like them) will be using the money to help those people who DO want to get out of homelessness. There will always be those that are not genuine but like Vik says, don't give them any money!
I for one applaud the students for doing something positive to help a worthwhile charity, and for actually talking to homeless folk rather than just making judgments about them.”
by Gibson, leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 11:50AM
“I saw a begger in leicester the other day with brand new pink suede boots on which were in perfect condition. i saw her get the blanket out of a john lewis bag and then sat on the floor waiting for people to give her money. Homeless? i think not.”
by Vik, Leicester
Wednesday, May 12 2010, 10:38AM
“Most of the homeless in any town choose not to take up the beds that are available because they would not be allowed to drink and do drugs whilst there. They also fail to take up the places available to get help with their addictions. This is their choice. For some, homelessness is a life-style choice. Hard to believe but true. Please don't give to beggars in the street - the money goes straight away to buy alchohol and drugs.”