MADAM,

Last Thursday I joined 183 others in the Sleep Out event in Cardiff. When I say Cardiff I mean the car park of the former Cardiff YMCA building, and when I say sleep, I mean very, very little. We 184 slept out to highlight the issues faced by young people and vulnerable women across Wales and beyond - and for the charity Llamau.

Cardboard was in plentiful supply to construct whatever kind of shelter we could for our one night out, and while cardboard has its positives under the circumstances, wet and windy conditions are challenging. Some of the constructions didn’t make it through the night so an uncomfortable night was guaranteed.

If you do manage to shut your eyes, it is done with considerable apprehension. It’s an unsettling experience to say the least, but we were safe in our numbers and Llamau staff provided the marshalling duties. The morning brought a hot drink and the offer of a hot breakfast. I came into work the next day, I wasn’t much use to be honest. This is a reality for so many people who endeavour to function after an unsettling night either out or in unfamiliar and vulnerable circumstances.

Sleep Out does not attempt to replicate the hopelessness and fear felt by countless young people and vulnerable women across Wales and beyond each year. Llamau supported around 5,000 individuals last year alone. 

A number of Monmouth residents joined me in sleeping out, for which a particular thanks, and numerous well-wishers have made contributions to my fundraising efforts. Again, thank you. 

You can still contribute to the Sleep Out by visiting: www.justgiving.com/DavidBlair18

David Blair

(Monmouth)