More than 100 kind-hearted people slept out in front of St John’s Church in the town centre in aid of charity Streetlife which supports vulnerable and homeless young people.
The Big SleepOut raises vital funds to keep the town’s only emergency night shelter – which costs £85,000 a year to run – open for people aged 16-25.
Streetlife’s Big Sleepout was officially opened by Anna Blackburn, managing director of event sponsor Beaverbrooks, actress and singer Jodie Prenger, and the Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Kath Benson.
Jane Hugo, chief executive officer of Streetlife, said fundraisers from the annual sleepout are helping the charity to continue supporting more than 300 young people by offering 2,920 bed spaces per year.
She added: “Without our service these vulnerable young people would be sleeping rough on the street.”
Take a look at these pictures of the event thanks to Claire Griffiths.
1. Streetlife’s Big Sleepout
Streetlife’s Big Sleepout was officially opened by (left to right) Anna Blackburn, managing director of event sponsor Beaverbrooks, actress and singer, Jodie Prenger, and the Mayor of Blackpool, Coun Kath Benson. Pic: Claire Griffiths Photo: Claire Griffiths
2. Streetlife’s Big Sleepout
More than 100 people joined Streetlife’s Big Sleepout. Pic: Claire Griffiths Photo: Pic: Claire Griffiths
3. Streetlife’s Big Sleepout
Streetlife provides the town’s only emergency night shelter open for vulnerable young people aged 16-25 Photo: Claire Griffiths
4. Streetlife’s Big Sleepout
Warm drinks a comfort for those sleeping out Pic: Claire Griffiths Photo: Claire Griffiths
5. Streetlife’s Big Sleepout
Roll mats at the ready Pic: Claire Griffiths Photo: Claire Griffiths
6. wbeg-Begining of Sleepout 2023 Streetlife - images Claire Griffiths (27)-nwupload.jpg
Streetlife’s Big Sleepout took place on Friday, March 31 Pic: Claire Griffiths Photo: Claire Griffiths