Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

How do I sign up to take part in the Sleep-Out?

Click HERE to register.

Everyone wanting to take part in the event will need to register in advance. The number of places available is limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Registration will close at midnight on Tuesday 3rd October (if there are any places remaining by then).

Where will the event take place?

The Sleep-Out will take place outdoors in the grounds of a private venue in central London, within walking distance of public transport.

We’ll be in touch with participants shortly before the event to provide the exact details and to give directions.

Please note that no parking is available on site, but there is some on-street parking available nearby.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, there is a £9.50 registration fee (non-refundable). This helps to cover essential event costs (such as a first-aider, security, insurance, etc), so that as much as possible of the money you raise ends up going to the charity and the homelessness projects we support.

Is there a fundraising target?

We're holding the sleep-out to raise as much money as possible for the homelessness projects we support, so we ask each person taking part to raise money for Streets of London, to support the charity's work.

Whatever you're able to raise for the charity will help and will be much appreciated, but we encourage each participant to set a fundraising target of £250 (or more if you'd like to!) so that as many homeless people as possible receive support.

Can I fundraise online?

Yes, you can set up an online fundraising page quickly and easily HERE with JustGiving. We suggest setting up your fundraising page as soon as you have registered for the Sleep-Out.

Can my family/friends/colleagues take part in the event too and can we organise a team?

Yes! If you would like to take part as a group of friends or colleagues, or as a family, that would be great - take part as a team and raise even more. (Please note, each person wishing to take part will need to register individually.)

You can choose whether you'd like to raise money individually or together as a group. To set up a team page on JustGiving, first create your own fundraising page then simply click on the link that says 'create a team'.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll be sleeping outside on stone paving or grass. It is important to come prepared for cold, hard ground and possibly wet conditions.

For your comfort we would suggest bringing all of the following:

Sleeping bag (we recommend a 3-4 season sleeping bag suitable for autumn/winter camping)
Sleeping mat (or cardboard)
Plenty of warm clothes and water-proofs (to ensure you keep warm and dry - bring more layers than you think you need!)
Hat & Gloves
Waterproof survival bag/bivvy bag (in case it rains - will help to keep your sleeping bag dry; available from Amazon or local camping shop)
Water bottle (NB: drinking water will be available but we ask you to bring your own bottle for it please as we won't be providing plastic cups, so as to avoid single-use plastic waste)
Umbrella
Ear plugs (useful in case anyone is snoring nearby!)
A sense of humour!

Please don't bring tents, alcohol, stereos or anything that will disturb your fellow sleepers or any nearby residents - thanks.

When should I arrive on the day?

On Friday 6th October 2023, please arrive between 8pm and 9pm. Entry to the venue will not be possible before 8pm, last entry will be at 9pm.

Once you have checked in on arrival, you can start bedding down for the night as soon as you would like to.

There will be an optional short talk from the charity about the projects we're currently supporting, and we hope to have a musician performing somewhere until about 10pm, to provide some entertainment and add a street busking feel!

Quiet/sleep time will be between 10pm and 6am. Please respect fellow participants and others sleeping nearby (local residents) by observing this.

The event will finish from 6am on Saturday 7th October, with everyone departing by 7am.

Will there be hot drinks and/or snacks?

Yes, free hot drinks and light snacks will be available all night.

Please bring a reusable water bottle with you so that we avoid the need for plastic waste.

Can I bring alcohol?

No, please don't bring alcohol with you. We may conduct bag searches on entry to the event and any alcohol with be confiscated.

Will there be toilet facilities?

Yes, loos will be available.

What security precautions will you have in place?

A team of SIA-accredited professional security staff will be on duty throughout the night to ensure that everyone is kept safe.

Bring any valuables at your own risk though.

Will there be a First Aider present?

Yes, there will be a qualified First-Aider on duty throughout the night, ready to help.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions that you think might affect your ability to complete this challenge then we strongly recommend that you seek medical advice before registering. Taking part in the event is at your own risk.

What about rubbish?

When you leave in the morning, we would appreciate it if you could please take away everything that you bring – including litter and cardboard boxes. Thank you for helping out in this way.

Can friends come and visit me while I'm sleeping out?

Sorry, no - because the event will be taking place in a private space with restricted access, unfortunately this will not be possible.

Can I bring animals to the event?

Sorry, no animals or pets may be brought to the event (with the exception of guide dogs).

Is is okay to bring food/sandwiches/snacks to the event?

Yes, absolutely fine.

Is there a minimum age requirement to enter the event?

Yes, you will need to be at least 11 years old by Friday 6th October 2023 to take part. Anyone under 18 will need to be accompanied by a responsible adult who is at least 21 years old, with a maximum of 3 under-18s per accompanying adult present. Adults remain solely responsible for the children in their care for the duration of the event, and should accompany them at all times.

What is the deadline for sponsorship?

Please collect and return any sponsorship money to Streets of London through the JustGiving fundraising page you set up, by Friday 10th November 2023 at the latest.

What happens to my personal information?

We promise to keep your information safe and never to sell or swap any of your personal details.

We will use the details you provide at registration only to organise the Sleep-Out and to keep in touch with you regarding the event.

At registration, you will be given the option of whether or not you would be happy to hear from Streets of London regarding other events or to hear about how your fundraising efforts have helped.

Is Streets of London a registered charity?

Yes! Registered charity number 1155242.

What does it feel like to take part in the Sleep-Out?

Follow the links to find out what people who took part in our 2019 sleep-out and 2018 sleep-out had to say about the experience.

I can’t take part in the event but I would love to support this campaign. Is there somewhere I can make a donation?

Thank you for thinking of supporting! You can help us reach our fundraising target for the event by making a donation HERE.

I’m stuck for fundraising ideas. Can you help?

Of course! Check out our Fundraising Tips page for ideas to get your fundraising going.

I have a question that isn't answered here - how can I get in touch with you?

Feel free to get in touch with our team and we’ll be happy to help. You can e-mail us at info@streetsoflondon.org.uk.