Sleepout - Wake up to homelessness with Turning Tides

Take part in an evening powerful enough to change the course of someone’s life; wake up to homelessness.

Trade your comfy bed for a sleeping bag on October 26th, 2024, and stand with those facing homelessness in your community. You have the power to bring change.

There was a wonderful sense of camaraderie amongst everyone and most managed at least a few hours’ sleep. I would recommend anyone to try it at least once! Sam - Previous participant

For Sleepout 2024 we’re returning to Worthing Fire Station, where there will be an opportunity to tour the fire station’s engines and try on some safety equipment as well as taking photos. The event is suitable for all ages, with a secure site and activities for everyone.

Let your imagination run riot! The shelter building competition is open to all, with fabulous prizes on offer for the most creative and most practical. Later in the evening you will hear from those who have experienced homelessness, and the frontline keyworkers who support them. Refreshments including a light evening meal, are included in the ticket price. You can listen to the Ropetackle storytellers tell bedtime tales and enjoy a warming drink before settling for the night.

Increasingly local people are facing life without a safe place to call home and for every person you see rough sleeping there will be another 20 hidden away – sleeping in their car, sofa-surfing, or in tents and shelters in fields, woods and parks.

Turning Tides was my lifeline. They didn’t just give me a roof over my head; they helped me to rebuild myself, my dignity, and my life.” - Franc

Fundraising events like this one are incredibly important, not just for raising awareness and breaking the stigma of rough sleeping but for raising the vital funds that are needed to support local people. Participants are asked to raise sponsorship which will directly support local people experiencing homelessness. Your fundraising will mean that we can continue to be there for the thousands of people who need us every year.

We want to be there for people who find themselves homeless; if like us you believe everyone deserves a home put the date for this fantastic fundraising event in your diary today.

Why not invite your friends, colleagues, and family along too or share online. 

Can’t make this date? You can organise your own DIY Sleepout.

Holding a DIY Sleepout offers the opportunity to gain insight into the issues surrounding local homelessness. The inspiring event – which encourages people to sleepout for just one night – will help develop a sense of empathy and compassion across all age groups. As well as raise funds to support the work of Turning Tides, providing services to homeless people in your local community.

Organising your own means you can do it anywhere you like, at a time that suits you. Perfect for groups such as colleagues, Scouts and Guides and more, check out our website for our DIY Sleepout resources and start planning today – www.turning-tides.org.uk/DIYsleepout