Your safety is more important to us than your fundraising. Common sense goes a long way, but there are a few additional things to consider when holding your own Sleep Out to ensure you keep yourself and others safe and within the law.
Venue
Make sure you have permission from the land/property owners before you settle on a venue. It’s crucial to make sure you will be Sleeping Out legally. We recommend holding your Sleep Out on private land, as you would have to get permission from the council to hold it in a public space. Moreover, a public space may come with more risks.
Risk assessments
Consider the health and safety risks of your Sleep Out. One of the best ways to do this is to complete a risk assessment prior to your event. If you’ve never done one, take a look at some guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and download a free template. If you’re holding your Sleep Out at home, consider how safe you will be during the night.
Weather
As we all know, the weather in the UK can be pretty unpredictable! It is important to consider how your event would work in bad weather. We advise having a back-up suitable indoor space if the weather becomes severe.
First aid and security
Make sure all participants are safe and secure and that only they have access to the event space. You will also need First Aid at your venue (this may already be in place), e.g. a First Aid kit, qualified First Aider or volunteer support from St John’s Ambulance or British Red Cross.
Setting up and packing down
Ensure you follow safe moving and handling procedures to prevent injury. Read more about event safety from HSE here.
