On the night of Friday 8 August, 28 Year 10 and 12 students joined over 500 students from around the state in support of the Anglicare WA Street Connect program. This program supports young people aged 15 – 25, who are sleeping rough, to help get their lives back on track. This is a service that relies entirely on donations. The students were individually responsible for fundraising and collectively raised in excess of $10,000.

Thank you to the four John Wollaston staff for giving up their time and comforts of home to assist, supervise and support our students during this overnight experience. Thank you to the students for your amazing work and representing our community exceptionally well while facing various challenges and discomfort along the way.

Some insights from some of our students who attended the Anglicare WA Sleepout 2025:

The experience overall taught me a lot about how frustrating and tiring being homeless actually is, and that was with comforts such as a thermal sleeping bag and dry, comfortable clothes. It has certainly made me much more aware.

— Lex

 

I found the Sleepout a fun and also hard way to experience what it is like for homeless people around Australia, and the world. It was a great way to make new friends and try new things. After experiencing something like this, I’ve seriously started to take a different view on homeless people and how lucky I truly am to have everything I have. Although this was a extremely tough experience, I know that the people in the world who are struggling with homelessness have it so much harder and I experienced not even 5% of what they are going through. I’m so grateful I was able to fundraise for the people in need, and I now have such a big desire to do more, where I can.

— Olivia

 

It was a challenging but eye-opening night that gave me a better understanding of what homelessness can feel like. Sleeping outside in the cold made me realise how difficult it must be for people who don’t have the comfort of a warm bed or safe home every night. I also valued the sense of community during the event and how it encouraged us to reflect on gratitude and empathy. Overall, the Sleepout was an experience that helped me appreciate what I have while also reminding me of the importance of helping others.

— Komal

 

The Anglicare Sleepout was again one of the most enjoyable experiences. As this was my third time attending, I love seeing both the familiar and new faces, and the joy that everyone finds in the activities. Not only do we get to meet new people, but we learn extremely valuable lessons on the issues that homeless young people face daily in Western Australia. Learning about the important work that Anglicare WA does for these young people is truly eye opening, and I am honoured to have been given the chance to fundraise and attend this event again.

— Georgia