The Big Sleep Out is back! Could you brave the outdoors for one night so local people facing homelessness won’t have to?
This year’s Big Sleep Out is back at the Reading Abbey Ruins! And we would love you, and your friends, family and colleagues, to mark World Homeless Day and support Launchpad by taking on the challenge of swapping a comfortable bed for a sleeping bag for the night at this historic location.
As the cost of living rises over the coming months, we know our vital services will be a lifeline to many local people in need. Our drop-in service is already seeing an increase of individuals, couples and families facing spiralling rent arrears or eviction because they simply can’t make ends meet.
By joining #TeamLaunchpad and taking part in the Big Sleep Out at Reading Abbey Ruins, you will help raise £40,000 to fund our vital work and ensure local people avoid homelessness. By sleeping out, you can ensure others in Reading don’t have to.
• What does the event involve?
6.30PM: ST LAURENCE’S CHURCH, FRIAR ST, READING RG1 1DA
10PM: READING ABBEY RUINS, ABBEY ST, READING RG1 3BA
5.30 – 7AM: RISE AND SHINE!
We will welcome you at St Laurence’s Church at 6.30pm, where you’ll receive your event pack (a Launchpad tote bag, a Launchpad beanie and a programme for the event!) and enjoy a packed evening of entertainment, hosted by Launchpad patrons Matt Allwright and Danyl Johnson! This will include live music, a prize raffle and a hot meal – and you’ll also hear from our staff and clients. Then, at 10pm, we all head over to the Reading Abbey Ruins and bed down for the night.
While the Big Sleep Out doesn’t aim to replicate homelessness, by sleeping out you will get an insight into some of the things people experience when they’re rough sleeping night after-night – such as cold temperatures, an uncomfortable bed and limited sleep.
At 5:30am, you’ll wake to a free bacon or vegan sandwich and a hot drink, and then head home at 7am – perhaps appreciating your home more than ever, and knowing you’ve done something truly amazing for local people in need.
