Trinity’s Big Sleep Out 2024 – raised £31,000!

Hundreds sleep out to raise awareness and funds for homelessness

Our Big Sleep Out on 24th May saw over 100 people sleep out in the iconic grounds of the Winchester College, to show their support for Trinity’s services for those experiencing the effects of homelessness and vulnerability.

The headline sponsors for the event were Charters Estate Agents and RBC Brewin Dolphin.

Entertainment was provided by Integrate Dance, Colin Bell, The Diva Academy, Swan Samba, Millie and Five Shades of Grey. Tasty food was enjoyed by all from Piecaramba, Hursley Butcher, Trinity Treats homemade bakery, and Lane Clarke and Peacock attracted a crowd with their popular sweets stall.

The wellbeing area included yoga from Move with Emma plus reflexology delivered by Rachel from Rflxlgy. Bushcraft Embers and Draper Tools also supported the event and prizes were donated by Clue Capers, Everyman Cinema and BOutside Forest School.

The event was hosted by TV presenter, radio DJ and illustrator, Rick Adams. The High Sheriff of Hampshire, Jon Whitaker and Simon Tufnell DL were in attendance to judge the ‘best shelter competition’.

Sue McKenna, Trinity’s Chief Executive, said “this has been an annual event since 2009, it creates awareness of homelessness and, more importantly, involves the local community who really want to make a difference.  We are focused on preventing homelessness and ending the need to sleep on the streets. This is not an experience of being homeless, we cannot imagine the reality of sleeping rough as we will return to the comfort of our homes the following morning.  We were humbled by the presence of all the participants, who really went that extra mile to raise £31,000 towards our vital services”.

This event is not an experience of being homeless. We cannot imagine the realities of sleeping rough every night. We will return to the comfort of our homes the following morning, which is not an option for thousands of people. This event is an interesting way to raise vital funds, whilst having a challenging night.

Photo credits: Adrian Brophy

For more information on this or next years event please contact Kirsty