Skipton International is inviting islanders to sign up and sleep out, as registration officially opens for The Big Skipton Sleep Out 2026.
Returning for its second year on Friday 23 January 2026, the overnight event at King George V (KGV) Memorial Playing Fields challenges the community to swap their beds for sleeping bags in a powerful act of solidarity with those facing housing insecurity in Guernsey.
150 people took part in the inaugural sleep out, braving the elements to raise over £40,000 for Caritas Guernsey’s modular housing initiative.
It’s a cause that remains urgent. 1 in 64 people in Guernsey are thought to be without secure housing, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the need for action.
Susan Fouquier, Chief Executive Officer of Skipton International, said: “As one of the island’s largest mortgage providers, we know how important secure housing is and how devastating it can be when people don’t have access to it. That’s why we created The Big Skipton Sleep Out: to bring the community together and raise funds for real, practical solutions. It’s a tough night, but it’s also a hopeful one because every person who takes part is helping to build something better.”
Funds raised will support The Caritas Community Project, a modular housing initiative designed to provide dignified, stable accommodation for people experiencing homelessness. The project aims to create a supportive community environment where residents can rebuild their lives with access to wraparound services and long-term support.
Graham Merfield, Chair of Caritas Guernsey, added: “The reality is that too many people in our community still don’t have a place to call home. That’s why the support from The Big Skipton Sleep Out is so vital. The funds raised last year have already helped us take real steps toward building a modular housing community that offers not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope.
“This year, we have the chance to go even further, but we can’t do it alone. If you believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, then join us. Sign up, sleep out, and be part of something that truly changes lives.”
More information about the Big Skipton Sleep Out can be found here.
