Following a two year break due to the pandemic, Simon’s Big Sleep Out is back this October.
The past couple of years have been incredibly difficult for the charity sector, with almost all fundraising events cancelled and people across the country feeling the squeeze as the economy struggles to recover.
Not to be deterred, the team here at Simon on the Streets didn’t shy away from thinking about different ideas and ways to raise money during lockdown. The Little Sleep In and Simon’s sleepover were both a great success, but we don’t mind telling you that it feels good to once again host our flagship fundraiser - Simon’s Big Sleep Out.
What’s it all about?
Each October, we invite members of the public to join us and spend a night sleeping on the street outside a designated venue in aid of Simon on the Streets.
First thing's first, Simon’s Big Sleep Out isn’t about replicating the conditions of homelessness. We won’t pretend for one minute that one night sleeping on the street as part of an event can even begin to compare with homelessness and the challenges it poses.
No, this event is instead about raising awareness and getting even a small insight into what it’s like to be without a bed for the night. Or, in the case of those facing homelessness, many nights.
Our last Big Sleep Out in 2019 saw over 120 supporters sleep out for the night at the Tiltyard at the Royal Armouries. It raised over £26,000, every penny of which went towards the continuation of our work to end the cycle of homelessness. It’s with amazing fundraising efforts such as these that we can provide ongoing practical and emotional support for the people we support.
This is not what homelessness looks like
We get that Simon’s Big Sleep Out is just one night a year, and not an accurate representation of homelessness.
We know only too well that people facing homelessness are often left with no other option than to sleep on the streets with nothing for protection but a layer of cardboard and a sleeping bag, unsafe and exposed to the elements. They’ll often end up getting little to no sleep, staying awake throughout the night to avoid being attacked or taken advantage of.
We’re just trying to raise awareness of the difficulties people face when they don’t have a secure and stable place to live. The aim of this event is to raise as much money as possible, which we’ll do by boosting morale and encouraging more people to join us for the night. It’s only with your support that we can turn more rough lives around.
Can we count on you?
This year’s event
Our 2022 sleep out will be taking place outside Leeds Civic Hall, where we’ll be providing refreshments, games, and entertainment to see you through the night. There’ll be tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as a bacon sandwich in the morning.
The support we’ve already received has been overwhelming. We’re so grateful to DUSK for sponsoring the event, and to Leeds bar Angelica for providing tea, coffee and hot chocolate during the evening. The Lord Mayor of Leeds, who chose Simon on the Streets as one of four organisations to support for his charity appeal, will also be there to open the event. He’ll even be joining us for part of the sleep out!
You can follow us across our social media channels to stay updated with the latest.
How do I participate?
Gather your friends, family and work colleagues ready to sleep out for Simon.
Tickets cost £25 per person, with the aim of raising additional sponsorship money that will go towards supporting those facing homelessness, helping them to take back control of their future.
We can’t wait to welcome you to Simon’s Big Sleep Out.
Are you ready? Book your place now!