Often, just when he felt settled, his life would get turned upside down. He was constantly moving between houses and never had a place he could call home, which ultimately led to drugs and alcohol abuse, along with a great deal of trauma he says he still carries with him today.
It all started after his parents’ relationship broke down, he said: “I ended up sleeping on the sofa at my auntie’s house. However, I was going to school, getting on with my studies and so I never thought I was homeless.”
In fact, it wasn’t until McCullough started working with Centrepoint that he came to see his own experiences as homelessness, he said “Looking back, it was an incredibly unstable time and unfortunately this is the reality for a lot of young people.”
“It’s produced significant trauma in my adult life because I’m always worried about the rug being pulled from my feet again and ending up in the same situation as when I was younger.”
It’s common for children experiencing homelessness to face it again as adults. This was no different for McCullough, sofa surfing while starting his career in London, he said: “I couldn’t tell you how many times I had to put my belongings into a plastic bag and move from house to house. It became normal to me.”
Now, McCullough’s life is very different. He’s Radio 1’s Early Breakfast presenter, was a contestant on I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and is an ambassador for Centrepoint, something he’s “incredibly proud” of.
He said: “I feel so grateful to be able to work with Centrepoint, they do incredible work and I will continue to speak up to ensure young people’s voices are heard.
This month, the 33-year-old will take part in a Sleep Out as part of Centrepoint’s Sleep Out Month, which invites participants to give up their beds for one night and sleep out to raise awareness and funding for the thousands of homeless young people across the country.
Ahead of the night, McCullough said: “I don’t care how cold it is, I don’t care if I don’t have a blanket because at the end, I will go home to my flat. There are a lot of people who don’t have that privilege.”
“What I really want is for people to pay attention because there are too many young people in this country going under the radar.
You can join McCullough and others in sleeping out to end youth homelessness by visiting https://centrepoint.org.uk/sleep
One night that could change everything for someone
Winnie’s commitment to Sleep Out has seen her sacrifice the comfort of her own bed on multiple occasions for a night on the floor. Her first experience in 2017 opened her eyes to some of the harsh realities faced by those without a safe place to call home and ignited lasting compassion. She often reflects on that night, reminded of her own past fragility and how quickly circumstances can change.
(Image: Centrepoint/Newsquest)
Over the years, Winnie has seen the tangible results of the Centrepoint’s Sleep Out - over £575,000 was raised last year - helping to fund safe homes, and support with mental health and access to work and training for the vulnerable young people the charity supports. “It’s just one night,” Winnie says, “but that one night can change everything – helping us see differently and potentially transforming someone’s life forever.”
Catherine Mosley, a member of Sleep Out team is not surprised that Winnie’s first Sleep Out was transformative: “The first thing that strikes participants is the cold, and then it’s how noisy everything is. One night can’t replicate homelessness, but it can build empathy, spark action, and show solidarity with young people facing this reality night after night.’
You can join Winnie and others like her raising awareness and funds to end youth homelessness by hosting your own Sleep Out. Please contact our team at sleepout@centrepoint.org or visit our website to https://centrepoint.org.uk/hyo
Hosting your own a Sleep Out is a chance for you to make a real difference
Hosting your own Sleep Out is a chance to bring together friends, family, co-workers or community groups, asking them to swap their beds for a sleeping bag on the floor, to raise awareness and vital funds for youth homelessness.
It is a fundraiser like no other. While participants are not replicating the terrifying reality and danger of sleeping rough, they do have the chance to stand in solidarity with those forced to, all while engaging with the cause and finding out more about how they can help.
Finding a safe location is key, but you won’t be doing this alone. We’ll support you every step of the way – from choosing your venue and setting a date to reaching your fundraising goal. All you need to remember on the night is to wrap up warm.
To learn more or sign up, visit https://centrepoint.org.uk/hyo or email sleepout@centrepoint.org. Together, we can end youth homelessness.
Nationwide Supports Sleep Out with Matched Funding
Throughout February, Nationwide will match funds raised through Centrepoint’s annual Sleep Out fundraiser up to £50,000.
For every pound raised by those braving a cold and sleepless night, the UK’s largest building society will contribute another as they support Centrepoint’s vital services for young people facing homelessness.
Charlote Kensett, Customer Experience and Social Impact Director for Nationwide said, “Spending one night sleeping outside is far from the reality of homelessness, but it does build understanding and spark compassion. No young person should worry about where they will sleep at night so we encourage as many people as possible to take part in this event to help Centrepoint end youth homelessness.”
Nationwide and Centrepoint have been partners for over a year as part of Fairer Futures – Nationwide’s social impact strategy. Their efforts have focused on improving accommodation for young people, helping them access tenancies, and driving impactful fundraising initiatives.
In addition to the matched funding, Nationwide colleagues all across the UK will take part in their own Sleep Out events, rolling out their sleeping bags and fundraising for Centrepoint.
“We know Sleep Out cannot replicate the reality or fear of being forced to sleep rough, and that is not what these events are about,” said Adele Atiyah, a Centrepoint fundraising manager, “Our focus is on raising understanding and vital funds to ensure young people have access to safe accommodation, support and a real chance to move forward with their lives.”
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