YMCA Burton’s annual sleepout returns in November

YMCA Burton’s annual fundraising event, Sleepout, will return on Friday 6 November, with organisers encouraging supporters to save the date and help make this year's event the biggest yet.

Sleepout is a chance to spend the night sleeping outdoors to raise awareness and fundraise for YMCA Burton, which operates homeless outreach facilities, housing, foodbank, affordable furniture through their shops and mediation & counselling services in the East Staffordshire Borough area. 

The event, which is in its 18th year, will be held in the usual venues - Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium and the XTREME event at St Modwen’s church graveyard.

Those who are unable to attend these locations, can still take part and complete the sleepout at a venue of their choice, including their own sofa, garage or even garden at home.

YMCA Burton hopes for a record-breaking year, with a fundraising target of £60,000 for this year's Sleepout event.

YMCA Burton's fundraising and partnerships manager, Paula Senior, said: "We are thrilled to announce that Sleepout 2026 will take place on Friday 6 November and we hope that people will save the date in their calendars early to help us make it our biggest and most successful event yet.

“We know times continue to be challenging for many people, so we are incredibly grateful to everyone who chooses to support us, whether by taking part, sponsoring a box or helping us by sharing the event.

“Not only does our Sleepout event help us raise vital funds to ensure we can continue to provide the services we do to support people in our community, but it also highlights and raises awareness of homelessness in our area.

“While spending one night outdoors can never replicate the reality faced by those experiencing homelessness, many people tell us they leave feeling humbled and with a greater understanding of the challenges.

“Sleepout gives people the chance to come together to make a real difference whilst in safe surroundings and is a powerful experience that highlights just how important the support we provide is.

“We are really looking forward to our 18th Sleepout. The atmosphere on the night is always so inspiring and we are excited to welcome as many people as possible this year."

Reflecting on her experience after taking part in last year's Sleepout, first-time participant, Rachel Wallace, said: “My overwhelming realisation as I fell asleep was how grateful I was to feel safe.

“Through the night, YMCA Burton volunteers walked around with torches checking we were all OK. I felt safe at the event that night and safe in my home every night.

“If I were homeless, I would never fall asleep feeling safe and that is a terrible thing. The work of YMCA Burton, the money and awareness raised by Sleepout is so important.”

Since it started, YMCA Burton’s Sleepout has raised over £525,000 to help those in our community who need it. With participants ranging in age from 2 to 93, it is an event suitable for all to take part in.

For more information, visit the website or email fundraising@burtonymca.org

Businesses can also sponsor a part of the event, buy goods for the night or can sponsor a box that someone will sleep in from £200, which will include lots of social media coverage the company name on a box at Sleepout on the evening.