How to get involved in Streetlife's 'Big SleepOut' in Blackpool town centre next week
Could you give up your bed for one night to provide a safe place for a young person experiencing homelessness?
The BIG SleepOut 2026 sponsored by Beaverbrooks the Jewellers will be taking place next Friday (April 17) in St Johns Square, and small local charity Streetlife are appealing for members of our community to sign up.
Streetlife supports over 300 young people in crisis each year, and many don’t have a safe place to sleep. The funds raised by the BIG SleepOut help to keep their eight bed emergency shelter and day centre running, providing a lifeline to those who need it most.
Homelessness remains a pressing issue in our community, and Streetlife operates the only emergency night shelter in Blackpool, where someone can turn up that night without the need for referral and have a safe place to sleep if a bed is available.
To help the charity continue their essential work, Streetlife is asking individuals, friends, families and businesses to take part in the annual ‘Big SleepOut’ for 2026.
Participants will join others in sleeping out for one night to help raise sponsorship and awareness.
Funds raised during the event will directly support Streetlife's service, including emergency accommodation and intensive support for young people aged 16 to 25 experiencing homelessness, at their 8-bed night shelter 365 days a year.
Sponsorship raised also supports their day centre on Buchanan St which is open 5 days a week providing a free hot lunch along with an array of practical and emotional help, including access to mental health support.
Kim Hughes, from Streetlife, said: “Each year a whole host of amazing local people from across the Fylde Coast take their sleeping bag to the cobbles of St Johns Square for one night to raise sponsorship to keep our vital service running.
“Streetlife has been supporting local young people since 1984, and this is only possible thanks to the ongoing support of our caring community over the years.
“We can guarantee a night of outstanding camaraderie from which you will leave with a fresh outlook and a heart full of gratitude.
“Your contribution could provide a light at the end of the tunnel for someone who has nowhere else to turn.
“Now’s the time to sign up, round up your friends, family and colleagues to join us for a very rewarding fundraiser that will help hundreds of young people in Blackpool.”
How to take part
Register: Visit wearestreetlife.org/sleepout to secure your spot for the Big SleepOut.
Fundraise: Participants are encouraged to raise funds from friends, family, and colleagues leading up to the event via https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sleepout2026
Sleep Out: Join Streetlife on Friday, April 17 at St. John’s Square in Blackpool for a night of solidarity, empathy, and community spirit.
Donate: Not ready to sleep out? You can support those who are by donating at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/sleepout2026
Registration for the event costs £10 and participants will receive a wristband, souvenir and survival pack, but will need to bring their own sleeping bag.
Many local businesses, friends and community groups take part as teams and report it to be a great bonding experience.
2025’s event saw over 100 people from across Lancashire turn out to support this fantastic cause including teams from many local businesses and organisations such as Singleton & Smart, Tesco, ISL, Blackpool and the Fylde College, George Cox, Norbain and as always a team from the event sponsor Beaverbrooks the Jewellers, and the charity raised an amazing £37,000.