Master
ThoughtWorks
Menu
Close
  • What we do
    • Go to overview
    • Customer Experience, Product and Design
    • Data Strategy, Engineering and Analytics
    • Digital Transformation and Operations
    • Enterprise Modernization, Platforms and Cloud
  • Who we work with
    • Go to overview
    • Automotive
    • Healthcare
    • Public Sector
    • Cleantech, Energy and Utilities
    • Media and Publishing
    • Retail and E-commerce
    • Financial Services and Insurance
    • Not-for-profit
    • Travel and Transport
  • Insights
    • Go to overview
    • Featured

      • Technology

        An in-depth exploration of enterprise technology and engineering excellence

      • Business

        Keep up to date with the latest business and industry insights for digital leaders

      • Culture

        The place for career-building content and tips, and our view on social justice and inclusivity

    • Digital Publications and Tools

      • Technology Radar

        An opinionated guide to technology frontiers

      • Perspectives

        A publication for digital leaders

      • Digital Fluency Model

        A model for prioritizing the digital capabilities needed to navigate uncertainty

      • Decoder

        The business execs' A-Z guide to technology

    • All Insights

      • Articles

        Expert insights to help your business grow

      • Blogs

        Personal perspectives from ThoughtWorkers around the globe

      • Books

        Explore our extensive library

      • Podcasts

        Captivating conversations on the latest in business and tech

  • Careers
    • Go to overview
    • Application process

      What to expect as you interview with us

    • Grads and career changers

      Start your tech career on the right foot

    • Search jobs

      Find open positions in your region

    • Stay connected

      Sign up for our monthly newsletter

  • About
    • Go to overview
    • Our Purpose
    • Awards and Recognition
    • Diversity and Inclusion
    • Our Leaders
    • Partnerships
    • News
    • Conferences and Events
  • Contact
Global | English
  • United States United States
    English
  • China China
    中文 | English
  • India India
    English
  • Canada Canada
    English
  • Singapore Singapore
    English
  • United Kingdom United Kingdom
    English
  • Australia Australia
    English
  • Germany Germany
    English | Deutsch
  • Brazil Brazil
    English | Português
  • Spain Spain
    English | Español
  • Global Global
    English
Blogs
Select a topic
View all topicsClose
Technology 
Agile Project Management Cloud Continuous Delivery  Data Science & Engineering Defending the Free Internet Evolutionary Architecture Experience Design IoT Languages, Tools & Frameworks Legacy Modernization Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Microservices Platforms Security Software Testing Technology Strategy 
Business 
Financial Services Global Health Innovation Retail  Transformation 
Careers 
Career Hacks Diversity & Inclusion Social Change 
Blogs

Topics

Choose a topic
  • Technology
    Technology
  • Technology Overview
  • Agile Project Management
  • Cloud
  • Continuous Delivery
  • Data Science & Engineering
  • Defending the Free Internet
  • Evolutionary Architecture
  • Experience Design
  • IoT
  • Languages, Tools & Frameworks
  • Legacy Modernization
  • Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence
  • Microservices
  • Platforms
  • Security
  • Software Testing
  • Technology Strategy
  • Business
    Business
  • Business Overview
  • Financial Services
  • Global Health
  • Innovation
  • Retail
  • Transformation
  • Careers
    Careers
  • Careers Overview
  • Career Hacks
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Social Change
ManchesterSocial ChangeCareers

A Night in the Life of the Homeless

Heather Malec Heather Malec

Published: May 26, 2014

No one dreams of spending their Friday night sleeping on the streets of Manchester UK in the cold rain. Yet a team from ThoughtWorks Manchester did just that to build awareness and raise money for the UK charity, Action for Children, which helps to tackle the root causes of why young people find themselves on the streets. This annual event is called ByteNight and is in its 17th year. The ThoughtWorks team raised approximately £1700 in 2013, which helped provide counseling and hot meals to more than 100 neglected children. On the evening of the event, in true Manchester fashion, it rained throughout the night. The team, however, was protected by umbrellas and thoughts of a warm bed, unlike the daily reality for the homeless. 

ThoughtWorkers Maryam Aidini  and Emily Miles  share their account in a short Q&A. 

Q: There are many charitable organizations worthy of support. Why did ThoughtWorks Manchester choose to support Byte Night?

A: Emily – The issue of homelessness was top of mind for many of us as we were working with our local client Mustard Tree, a charity that helps the homeless and marginalised. Many of us wanted to experience for one night what the people Mustard Tree support have to go through for years sometimes.

Q: What did your family say when you told them you sleeping outside?

A: Maryam – My husband joined me. My parents were shocked at first but understood it was a planned activity and we would be safe. It really brought up for all of us the stigma attached to homelessness and the dangerous reality it brings to many youth.

Q: What was the hardest part of the sleep-out?

A: Maryam – The weather!  In one hour it was freezing. We were given very basic – but warm – food. Most homeless  people don’t even have that.

A: Emily – We were given umbrellas and survival bags. I was so proud that I was able to keep myself dry, until I tipped all the contents out and ended up soaked, freezing and it was only 3 am. It gave me a whole new understanding of how bitter and unforgiving the weather can be if you don’t have a roof over your head.

Q: How did the experience change you?

A: Emily - I truly didn’t think I would expect to feel different walking into my home but I was filled with such gratitude for the ability to be able to kick my boots off, brush my teeth and to have a warm blanket. You really know the value of a home after even one night without it.

It inspired me to want to do even more for Mustard Tree, not only through fundraising but by raising awareness for the fantastic work they do.

A: Maryam –  I agree. It was a very interesting experience that opened my eyes to the things that homeless people need: warm food, shelter and a way out of that situation.

Q: Would you do it again?

A: Emily + Maryam – YES!  

Ready to shape the future of tech?

Join our team of passionate and bright technologists.

Join us
Master
Privacy policy | Modern Slavery statement | Accessibility
Connect with us
×

WeChat

QR code to ThoughtWorks China WeChat subscription account
© 2021 ThoughtWorks, Inc.