St Basils’ Big Sleepout returns to Birmingham for 36th year

St Basils' annual Big Sleepout fundraiser returns to Birmingham on Friday 13 November, with hundreds of participants set to spend the night outdoors at Alexander Stadium to raise money for young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Now in its 36th year, the event challenges supporters to give up a night in their own bed, sleeping in bags and cardboard shelters instead.

Alexander Stadium, which hosted the European Athletics Championships this summer, is providing the venue free of charge, meaning more of the money raised can go directly towards supporting young people.

The evening will include a Creative Cardboard Competition, with cardboard donated by Bilston-based Sandland Packaging, alongside free food from Langar Aid and entertainment from Choir with No Name, whose members have experienced homelessness themselves.

Barrie Hodge, director of Income and Social Value at St Basils, said: “We're really excited to be bringing the Big Sleepout to Alexander Stadium this year.

“The Sleepout is always a fantastic evening, but underneath the cardboard boxes and sleeping bags is a really important message. For one night, our supporters choose to give up the comfort and security of their own beds so they can help young people who don't have that security.

“Every pound raised helps us support young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, giving them somewhere safe to stay and helping them take the next steps towards a more secure future.

“We're incredibly grateful to Alexander Stadium for giving us the venue, and to Sandland Packaging and Langar Aid for their support.

“It takes a huge amount of work to put an event like this together, and it's brilliant to see so many organisations and individuals coming together to make it happen.”

St Basils supports young people aged 16-25 across the West Midlands who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, providing accommodation, advice and practical support.

Those interested in taking part can sign up now.