What is Sleep Out?
In the whirlwind of our daily lives, many people take a safe and peaceful night’s sleep for granted. Yet, the significance of sleep extends far beyond rest – it’s a pillar of our mental, emotional, and physical health. That’s one of many reasons why our Sleep Out event is important.
Last year, more than 136,000 young people experienced homelessness and the challenges that come along with it.
Sleep Out is EveryYouth’s annual event where we ask you to give up your bed and sleep outside for a night to raise funds and awareness of youth homelessness. This allows us to continue supporting some of the most disadvantaged young people in the UK.
Why is Sleep Out important?
Sleep Out serves as a powerful statement against youth homelessness. Sleep Out highlights the struggles faced by countless young people.
Participants experience a fraction of the challenges faced by the individuals that we support. The challenge of Sleep Out is a reminder of the challenges faced by young people and the importance of the work we do.
Sleep Out is an opportunity for all of us to contribute, in whatever way we can, to a future where every young person has a safe place to call home.
EveryYouth CEO, Nick Connolly, said: “We are definitely not recreating homelessness or even trying to imply that we are. What we are doing is getting people to have an uncomfortable night, come with colleagues and friends and hear about the work we do. People talk to us about the vulnerability they experience – even though they know they are safe – and they start to feel extremely grateful for those basic things they have in their lives.”
How can I get involved?
Sleep Out will take place from the 7th-9th November.
You can join us in London on Thursday 7th November at the Museum of the Home. We are planning on having an engaging night where you will be able to hear about the importance of EveryYouth and the work that we do.
If you’re not based in London, you can find an event near you from our network of local youth homelessness charities:
- 11th October – Step by Step, Farnborough
- 7th November – 1625 Independent People, Bristol
- 8th November – Roundabout, Sheffield
- 14th November – Amber Foundation, Cornwall
- 15th November – The Benjamin Foundation, Norwich
- 29th November – St Basils, Birmingham
You can also hold your own Sleep Out on 8th November. We have a wonderful team that can help you plan your very own. It’s perfect for families wanting to get involved!
How much do I need to fundraise?
However you choose to support, we ask that you aim to raise £450.
Some young people may be ready to live independently and cover the cost of monthly rent, but many private landlords request at least one month’s rent upfront. Creating an impossible barrier for a young person moving on from homelessness or supported accommodation. £450 could help cover the cost of the rent deposit so that a young person can break the cycle of homelessness for good.
Sign up today to get involved in making a life-changing difference to a young person’s life.