Interested in holding your own Sleep Out but still a little unsure as to how to go about it? Here are 10 steps to a successful Sleep Out.
1. Sign up!
The first step is signing up to Hold Your Own Sleep Out and deciding on a date! This way we can send you all the necessary resources and provide you with support in your fundraising.
2. Personalise your fundraising page
When you register, we will automatically set up a fundraising page on JustGiving for you, but you might want to personalise it with who you are and your reasons for holding a Sleep Out. HINT: Try to make this as personal as possible. Why have you chosen to raise money for Centrepoint? Tell your supporters about why this is a challenge for you.
3. Decide who will be Sleeping Out
If you’re planning on holding your Sleep Out as a group of people, whether students or colleagues, you’ll first want to get people to sign up to taking part and committing to fundraising.
4. Pick your venue
Decide where you’re going to hold your Sleep Out. Take a look at our advice on different venue possibilities and things to consider.
5. Consider health and safety
No matter the size of your group, or where you will hold your Sleep Out, its always important to make sure everyone is safe and within the law. Read our health and safety advice for help.
6. Plan your night
If you’re planning your Sleep Out with a group, you might want to have some activities on the night, to keep it fun but also so that those taking part can learn a little more about Centrepoint. For advice on what sort of activities you could run, email our team at sleepout@centrepoint.org
7. Fundraise, fundraise, fundraise!
Reach out to family, friends, colleagues and anyone you think may want to support your fundraising to let them know what you’re doing. Post on social media, or even contact the local media to see if they’d be interested in your event. Don’t forget to ask your place of work if they’d consider matching what you raise. For tips and support on your fundraising, email sleepout@centrepoint.org
8. Hold your Sleep Out
Maybe it’s one night, or maybe its three, however long your Sleep Out is its time to get started! Remember that the fundraising doesn’t have to end before you hold your Sleep Out, you can also do some on-the-night fundraising. Scroll down to see our advice on on-the-night raffles and tombolas.
9. Send us your pictures
Not only are we incredibly grateful that you’ve chosen to support Centrepoint and our work, but we’d also love to see what you did at your Sleep Out! Feel free to send pictures of your event to sleepout@centrepoint.org
10. Keep up the good work!
Your amazing fundraising doesn’t have to stop there. We have lots of challenge events you could sign up to, or maybe you’d like to sponsor a room and support one of our young people directly. Whichever you decide, we’re lucky to have fundraisers like you on board!
On-the-night fundraising
Why not do some extra on-the-night fundraising? You can have a raffle, tombola, or sweepstake on the night without a licence if the tickets are all the same price and sold during the event. You can name the winners during or after the event. Read about raffles and lotteries at events from the Gambling Commission.
