Students Sleep Out for MACS

Six students from South Eastern Regional College (SERC), along with their tutor, took part in the annual MACS Sleep Out at Banana Block, Belfast on Thursday 4 December, raising a whopping £1,475 to support vital services and raise awareness for the local charity which is working to put youth homelessness to bed.  

The BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Uniformed Protective Services students from SERC’s Bangor Campus, along with their lecturer, Irwin Pryce, joined other volunteers to brave the winter weather from 7pm until 7am.

Organised by MACS NI, a local charity, who work with children and young people (aged 16 –25) who haven’t had a fair deal – including those facing homelessness, substance abuse, self-harm, mental health issues, leaving care or are at risk, the sleepout, has the aspiration of putting youth homelessness to bed. 

Lecturer Irwin Pryce said, “The evening began with a talk from Kate Martin, CEO, MACS NI, about the charity’s work, followed by music from the Gathering Drum Circle, and comedy entertainment from talented newcomer Emer Maguire, and Blue Lights star, Dave Elliot. Our breakfast was provided by local favourite, Bodega Bagels."

He continued, “Familiar warm beds were replaced by sheets of cardboard as we started the Sleep Out challenge from 11pm. As temperatures plummeted to 3 degrees celsius, the cold, hard concrete and constant noise made for an incredibly uncomfortable sleep.  This experience allowed the students to realise the difficulties homeless people in our community must contend with, whilst raising funds for the charity at the front line of supporting them.”

Jude Taylor, from Newtownards said, “I slept outside the entrance without shelter, so the cardboard beneath me was soon very soggy. Getting up the next morning was difficult as my body was so cold. The experience really made me aware of the difficulties homeless people face without a roof over their heads and protection from the elements.”

Finlay Stothers, from Portaferry, said, “It was much more difficult than I expected. The noise and the cold made it impossible to sleep. I’m grateful that we’ve been able to raise so much money that can help people who are left with no other option than to sleep on our streets.”

Irwin Pryce said, “On behalf of the students, I would like to thank everyone who donated to this cause. We’ve been overwhelmed by the generosity of our students, staff, family and friends. The money raised will make a real difference in the run up to Christmas in empowering young people - to have a home, strengthen their mental health and be part of a community.”

You can support the students for their MACS Sleep Out by donating until the end of the week at: https://macsni.enthuse.com/pf/serc-ups-d23c1

Above: Chloe Knox (Newtownards), Lecturer Irwin Pryce, Diana Eagleson (Bangor) Charlotte Sittlington (Crawfordsburn), Sam Brown (Holywood), Jude Taylor (Newtownards), Finlay Stothers (Portaferry).