Sleep Out for Sanctuary 2024

Sanctuary Trust invites the community to participate in its annual Sleep Out on Friday, 22nd November from 8pm – 6am at Pier Road car park, aiming to raise vital funds to support homeless men in Jersey.

With his important fundraiser fast approaching, the charity is appealing to islanders and local businesses to show their support. This year’s event is kindly sponsored by Jersey Mutual.

Participants will spend the night in sleeping bags on the concrete floors of levels 11 and 12 of Pier Road car park, using sleeping bags and a piece of cardboard.

Tim Ringsdore, Chair of Sanctuary Trust, said: “It won’t be the most comfortable night you’ve ever spent, but it will be one of the most meaningful. We want participants to recognise the challenges faced by those without a home – not to replicate their experience, but to raise awareness of the issue here in Jersey.”

Tim adds, “As a CEO who has slept rough in every parish as a personal fundraiser for Sanctuary, I can tell my peers that this is one of the more difficult challenges I’ve faced. But I will always stress that it’s not comparable to being homeless. The Sleep Out is about recognising, not replicating, what it’s like not to have a place to call home. It’s an act of solidarity that helps raise money so we can continue our work. With charities facing more challenges than ever this year, we need your support.”

Last year’s annual Sleep Out attracted over 140 participants and raised an impressive £35,000, all of which directly supported Sanctuary Trust’s initiatives to help vulnerable men get their lives back on track. These funds are vital for providing essential services, including accommodation, counselling, and outreach support.

This year’s event will include hot soup, warm drinks, and acoustic music, creating a welcoming atmosphere for participants to connect with each other and reflect on the important issues surrounding homelessness in Jersey. In the morning, they’ll be offered breakfast and coffee, providing a chance to reflect on their experience.

Sanctuary Trust is particularly eager to involve local businesses in this year’s event. Sarah Tumelty, General Manager of Sanctuary Trust, said: “We’re asking individuals and business leaders with their teams to experience a very different type of team building exercise – sleeping on a cold, car park floor. This experience is testing and uncomfortable and really makes you re-evaluate and appreciate what you have. It’s said you’re only a couple of pay days away from potentially being homeless, because homelessness can happen to anyone. There’s still time to sign up and make a difference, while sparking a bit of corporate competitiveness at the same time.

“This annual event helps raise awareness and funds to support our work. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who gets involved, from participants to volunteers and local businesses. Their commitment is what makes this event possible and impactful.”

What is provided:

• Acoustic music
• Hot soup and roll
• Breakfast roll/veggie option/tea and coffee in the morning

What to bring:

• Piece of cardboard to sleep on – Please ensure you take this with you the next day!
• Sleeping bags and pillow
• Warm clothes and socks
• Eye mask (lights on all night)
• Ear plugs
• Snacks and drinks (no alcohol)
• Reusable water bottle for refills
• An adult to accompany under 16s

We want to make the event as authentic as possible, so please no camp beds. Well-behaved dogs welcome!