Whilst we were tucked up and warm in our beds, Westfield resident, Jon Durrant, had set up camp in local woodland as part of Julian’s House’s Big Sleep Out. The charity event took place at home locally this year – usually held in Alice Park, in Bath, it helps to raise awareness of rough sleeping and raises money for the homelessness charity.

Jon explains his reasons for getting involved: “A few years ago I was suffering from a mental health condition that caused panic attacks. That stopped me from driving and made me agoraphobic.

“I knew I needed to overcome my panic attacks and get out of the house, so I used to take bus rides. At first, I could only take the bus from Westfield to Radstock and back. Over a few weeks I pushed myself to take the bus to Bath.

“But I needed a reason to go to Bath and push further on. So, I volunteered as a cook for Julian House, preparing evening meals for the residents of the Manvers Street hostel. That really opened my eyes to the world of homelessness and rough sleeping.

“Volunteering with Julian House was a big part of my recovery in my mental health, so when I saw the Sleep Out I knew I had to take part to raise some money and say thank you to them.

“I wanted to raise awareness that not all rough sleepers live on the streets and are therefore visible. Some friends of mine, from the Help Bristol’s Homeless project, including my friend Rob, who recently and sadly died, lived in woods in Bristol for a long time because it provided security for their belongings when they went out for food and for work and also provided them some privacy and dignity.”

Speaking about his experience, Jon adds: “You find out just how important the small things are in life like having a kettle to boil a cup of tea or having money to buy a cup of tea.

“You learn how valuable food is – I waited until 7 pm to have a sandwich because that is around the time that a soup run might hand out food and a hot drink. You realise how important light is – I was lucky I had a small pocket torch but I still kept losing things in the dark. You appreciate that batteries cost money and you have to conserve battery power because you might not get anymore.

“I started the Sleep Out at 5 pm but come 10.30 pm my feet were so cold that I had to start a fire. I tried to get to sleep at midnight but by 12.30 am I woke up suddenly in the early stages of a panic attack and my brain was a muddle.

“I knew that I had to take the decision to stop the event and go back to my own house and bed. I knew that if I didn’t, then my mental health would be seriously affected.

“I am lucky. I have the love and support of my family and my friends, I am registered with a GP, have access to the Community Mental Health Team and the correct medication. For many rough sleepers this isn’t the case.

“I woke up at 5.30 am, had a cup of coffee and went back until the event officially ended at 8 am. For 4,600+ rough sleepers it was just another night – being hungry, cold, isolated and probably feeling worthless and depressed.

“If people are worried about someone sleeping rough they can use the Streetlink app or website. Streetlink will contact the local homeless charity like Julian House who will send out their outreach team. Streetlink will also inform the local housing department.”

Readers who would like to donate to Julian House can find out more at: http://www.julianhouse.org.uk £20 could buy a week’s worth of washing powder for the emergency hostel to wash service users clothes. £50 could buy ingredients for a wholesome meal for thirty service users staying in the emergency hostel. £150 could buy a move-on pack to help a former rough sleeper move in to and furnish their own accommodation. £250 could provide a starter pack to help an abused individual or parent and children settle in to new accommodation.

Jon has raised over £400 so far for Julian House. His JustGiving page can also be found at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jonathandurrant