More than twenty dedicated volunteers from a Wolverhampton-based men's mental health charity confronted freezing temperatures this weekend, spending a full day and night on the city's streets. The event, Mandem Meetup's fifth annual 24-hour Sleepout, marked its largest turnout to date, focusing vital attention on the crisis of male homelessness while raising crucial funds.
A Night of Outreach and Empathy
The participants began their marathon effort with eight hours of outreach work outside Lloyds Bank in Queen Square. They later moved to the entrance of Beatties, where they settled down to sleep and continued conversations with the public. The experience was made profoundly real when four people currently experiencing homelessness joined the group. Volunteers provided them with hot food, warm clothing, sleeping bags, and connections to local charities that could assist with finding accommodation.
The Stark Reality of Male Homelessness
Christian Denton, Lead Facilitator of Mandem Meet-up Wolverhampton, underscored the urgent need for the event. "Recent estimates indicate that 83% of people living on the street are male," he stated. "This is a stark reminder of the disproportionate impact homelessness has on men and the urgent need for tailored support services." He explained that homelessness is often deeply entangled with mental health struggles, social isolation, and a lack of consistent support—gaps the charity aims to fill.
Reflecting on the Sleepout, Denton described it as a humbling experience that allowed members to reflect on their own challenges and achievements. The commitment from participants was strong, with many pledging to take part again, seeing it as a powerful way to raise awareness and give back to the community.
Building on Success for the Future
Following a significant fundraising total last year, the charity is determined to surpass that figure this time. Mandem Meetup, which offers peer support, social activities, and sports classes, has ambitious plans to create more safe spaces and connections for vulnerable men. To meet the growing demand for its mental health and crisis services, the team is urging the public to support its ongoing crowdfunder, hoping to boost donations from hundreds into thousands of pounds.
"Every year this movement grows and every year we are reminded how many men feel forgotten or unseen," Christian Denton concluded. "The Sleepout isn’t just about raising money, it’s about showing up! We engaged with hundreds of people during the day and night, and we hope this plays a role in getting more men off the streets."
