Sleep Out 2024

Sleep Out is our flagship, mass-participation fundraising event, which challenges you to help end youth homelessness by spending one night sleeping outside.

The money you raise helps young people across Norfolk and Suffolk, who may not have had the best start in life, into safe homes and provides the opportunity for creating positive outcomes. The Sleep Out fund can be accessed by young people in our housing services, to support their lifestyle or access new opportunities.

“I am very thankful for the support and money contribution as I couldn’t have done it alone. From where I was six months ago to now it feels like I am in a much better place and able to think about what these things might lead to.”

Rebecca (name changed) - a young person supported by The Benjamin Foundation.

Why a Sleep Out?

Last year, over 135,000 young people were homeless or at risk of homelessness in the UK (Centrepoint).

To tackle this problem locally, we are providing home and support to almost 200 young people each night. This equates to over 70,000 safe nights’ accommodation each year. We help the young people we support to learn essential life skills, build their confidence and provide guidance with their training, education and careers. We also support them maintain their own tenancies as they begin to forge independent lives.

Money raised from our campaign goes towards our Sleep Out fund. This can be accessed by young people in our housing services, to support their lifestyle or access new opportunities.

"Sleep Out is an important campaign for us here at The Benjamin Foundation. It’s an opportunity for various communities and supporters to come together and not only raise awareness of youth homelessness, but also help us give recognition to the services and young people who have achieved positive outcomes across Norfolk and Suffolk."

Matt Garrod - Director of Operations (Housing and Homelessness)

What happens and what do I bring on the night?

We will be in regular contact via email before Sleep Out to make sure you are fully informed about the night and what to bring and expect, but you can prepare by ensuring you have the following:

• Plenty of warm, waterproof clothing, including a hat, scarf and gloves.
• A sleeping bag (and something to keep it dry in the event of rain).
• Cardboard to sleep on and/or a yoga mat.
• We do provide hot drinks and some snacks but you may wish to bring some of your own.

Can I attend on my own?

Yes of course – it is an inclusive and friendly event. If you are going to book a place for yourself and want to meet other participants why don’t you offer to volunteer on the refreshment stand, or help us give out the food. We are always looking for help at these lively and busy events and this is a great way to chat to others attending. Just get in touch at [email protected]

I'm vegetarian/vegan - will you cater for me?

A vegan option will be available in the evening and for breakfast. There will also be herbal teas and alternative milks for hot drinks throughout. You may wish to bring your own snacks. Please let us know your dietary requirements at the time of booking.

What about fundraising? How do I get started?

We use well-known and trusted online fundraising platform JustGiving for Sleep Out fundraising. Once you have registered for the event, we can support you and give your step by step instructions about how to set up your JustGiving page, as well as top tips, motivation and inspiration to help you smash your fundraising target!

JustGiving means your fundraising flows directly to us, making it really easy for us, you and those who sponsor you for your Sleep Out challenge. Don't forget to ask your friends, family and colleagues to donate and add Gift Aid to their donation. If they are a UK tax-payer, this means we can claim an additional 25% from the UK Government at no cost to them, you or us, which will help to make your fundraising go even further.

Can I bring alcohol/ smoke during the event?

No to both.

Alcohol is not permitted. Anybody believed to be under the influence will be asked to leave the event.

Sleep Out is a non-smoking event. Should you wish to smoke, you will need to go off the site completely.

Is there parking at the event?

There is no parking at the Sleep Out venue this year. There is parking available in nearby public car parks. We will confirm information about other places to park, and any drop off information nearer the time.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs (with the exception of Assistance Dogs) are not permitted at Sleep Out.

Will I have access to toilets?

You will have access to toilets, shelter and hot drinks throughout the night, as well as the support of our team. There will be people on duty all night to provide support or assistance if required.

Any other questions? Contact us on 01603 615670 or email [email protected] - we are happy to help!

Our organised events are for those aged 18 and over, but if you’re under 18 please talk to us about other ways you can get involved.

Sleep Out does not aim to replicate homelessness and what it is like to be lonely, frightened and vulnerable, but it does give participants a small glimpse of some of the challenges homeless people may face. It is an important fundraising event for our charity to help prevent youth homelessness and support local young people to take their next steps to leading successful independent lives. In today's climate of funding cuts, the cost of living and uncertainty following the pandemic, fundraising has become more important than ever. Thank you for your support.

Host or Publisher The Benjamin Foundation