Invitation to Blackpool businesses to join Streetlife’s Big SleepOut

Blackpool charity Streetlife is calling for Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre businesses to register for this year’s ‘Big SleepOut’ 2024. The annual event, taking place on Friday 22nd March 2024 in St John’s Square in Blackpool, aims to raise awareness and support vulnerable young people who are faced with homelessness.

Streetlife is asking business colleagues to pledge one night sleeping out to gain firsthand experience of the challenges faced and raise vital funds for those without a place to call home. As well as event sponsors Beaverbrooks, other local businesses who have supported the event include Victrex, BAE Systems, DWP and many more.

Funds raised during the event will directly support Streetlife's programmes, including emergency shelter services, job training, and mental health resources, all aimed at young people aged 16 to 25 who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless.

Homelessness remains a pressing issue in the community, and events like the 'Big SleepOut' provide an opportunity for individuals to make a tangible impact.

Each year, an average of 300 vulnerable and young people access StreetLife’s services and 150 of those use the night shelter in Blackpool. This shelter provides emergency accommodation for anyone aged between 16-25 with nowhere else to go.

To help the charity continue their essential work, Streetlife is asking individuals, friends, families and businesses to take part in the annual ‘Big SleepOut’ for 2024. Participants will join others in sleeping out for one night to help raise funds and awareness.

Registration for the event costs £10 and participants will receive a wrist band, souvenir and survival pack, but will need to bring their own sleeping bag. Groups are welcome to attend together as long as they register.

Jane Hugo, Streetlife’s CEO said, “The annual ‘Big SleepOut’ is our most anticipated event and this year, we hope for another fantastic event. Please consider joining us to make a difference - one night can change a life.”

2023’s event saw over 100 people turn out to support this fantastic cause and the charity raised an amazing £45,000 - the largest amount to date.   

To help make the event possible, The ‘Big SleepOut’ is sponsored by Beaverbrooks The Jewellers.

Anna Blackburn, Managing Director at Beaverbrooks, said: “Beaverbrooks is proud to be sponsoring The Big SleepOut for the sixth year. Organised by Streetlife, a youth work charity whose aim is to assist vulnerable young people in the Blackpool area, the Big SleepOut is a great opportunity for people across Lancashire to come together and raise money to help hundreds of young people in our local community.

“I have participated in the SleepOut several times, and this year we have more representatives from our Beaverbrooks family taking part. Every penny raised is match funded by Beaverbrooks and really makes a huge difference to the young people that Streetlife supports, so please join us in supporting this very worthy cause by signing up, grabbing your sleeping bag and donating what you can.”