Sleepout supports ‘life-changing’ charity

A record number of Tonbridge first year boys slept rough on Saturday night (21 April) in aid of a charity which supports homeless and vulnerable young people in Kent. 

The event saw 137 Novi boys – and several hardy members of staff – spend the night in a ‘cardboard city’ constructed in the school’s Quad, raising more than £10,500 for Porchlight. 

After building their cardboard shelters, the boys listened to talks from Porchlight staff and gained an understanding of why someone may end up sleeping on the streets. Two young people shared their stories of being alone and having nowhere to go, revealing how Porchlight has since helped them to rebuild their lives – both are now in permanent housing and actively seeking work.

Boys also braved a thunderstorm and a torrential downpour during the night.

Tonbridge School’s Community Action Manager Juliet Burnett said: “Porchlight staff were impressed by the questions asked by the boys, who learned more about the charity’s life-changing work. It helps young people into safe accommodation, gives support and training, and helps them to plan a career and a proper future. We are very proud to support this work.

“We hope that all the boys and staff who took part will now have a highly informed attitude and will think about the ‘real person’ in every rough sleeper. The school will also look for other ways to support charities such as Porchlight in the future.”  

She added: “The early morning sun helped the enormous clear-up operation and, fortified by bacon butties, the boys returned home, grateful to have a warm, dry house and a hot shower.” 

The school gives its thanks to Furniture Village for supplying a vast amount of cardboard, and to Countrystyle for removing it for recycling.