Pupils and staff at St Joseph’s Catholic School took part in their very own Little BIG Sleep, a school-based version of ALABARÉ’s well‑known event.
When news broke that the Cathedral-based BIG Sleep would not be taking place this March, the school stepped up to ensure that its pupils could still raise awareness – and vital funds – for the homeless and most vulnerable in the community.
A total of 29 pupils and 4 staff braved the cold on Friday (13 March), with temperatures dropping to 1°C, to experience a taste of what sleeping rough might feel like.
The evening began with a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to make a difference, followed by a talk from Gemma Snell of ALABARÉ, who spoke about the charity’s work and helped pupils understand the real impact their fundraising efforts would have on those in need.
The atmosphere throughout the school was full of excitement, purpose, and high energy, as pupils prepared for a night outdoors.
Deputy Headteacher Richard Rooney explained the school’s motivation for creating the event, “When we heard that the BIG Sleep wasn’t going to happen in the Cathedral this March, we decided that we would run it for our pupils at school. We wanted to make sure that the pupils still had the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for the homeless in our community, and hosting the Little BIG Sleep here ensured that they could do just that.
“They had a great experience, made lots of memories, but perhaps, more importantly, have gained an insight into what sleeping rough would be like, which will hopefully inspire them to continue to make a difference and work for the needs of the most vulnerable in our society. We are very proud of all of them!”
Fundraising for the event has been strong, with the school raising over £1,000 so far. Initiatives included:
· a non‑uniform day,
· a highly successful bake sale,
· and sponsorship from friends and family of the participants.
All proceeds will go directly to ALABARÉ, supporting their essential work to break the cycle of homelessness across the South West region.
The school praised the pupils for their compassion, resilience, and commitment to social justice, noting that the Little BIG Sleep has not only raised funds but also deepened understanding of the challenges many people in the community face every day.
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