Sleep out participants handing out mats

London Sleep Out 2026

London needs you! Sleep Out at Somerset House on 6 February, raise funds for our vital services, and together we can say goodnight to youth homelessness.

Our London Sleep Out is at Somerset House for the first time next year! Join us on 6 February 2026.

Event information

WHERE: Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA (view map) Enter via the Strand and cross the courtyard to Seaman's Hall. 

WHEN: 6 February 2026, until the following morning

REGISTRATION FEE: £20, groups of 4 people or more can register for free! Just contact us for the code at sleepout@centrepoint.org

FUNDRAISING TARGET: £350 per person

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 30 January 2026

What is Sleep Out?

For over 20 years we've been sleeping out - whether sleeping in football stadiums or school playgrounds - raising money to end youth homelessness and changing attitudes one night at a time.

A Sleep Out is an overnight fundraising challenge, with the aim of raising awareness and vital funds to support young people facing homelessness.

By taking part in Sleep Out, you will not be replicating rough sleeping, but instead raising awareness for the thousands of young people in the UK who don't have a secure place to call home.

What to expect on the night 

8pm: Arrive, check in, and meet your fellow sleep out-ers 
8.30-10.30pm: An evening of educational activities and talks about youth homelessness, its causes and solutions.  
10.30pm: Raffle draw! Be in with a chance of winning some of our coveted prizes.
11pm: Sleeping bags out and lights off, time for a cold but meaningful night’s sleep. 
6am: Lights on! Grab a tea, coffee and a light breakfast before heading home to reflect on your Sleep Out experience.  

Hot drinks and light refreshments will be provided throughout the night and in the morning, free of charge.

If you would like more information, or have a specific question about Sleep Out, please contact sleepout@centrepoint.org

Take a look at last year's Sleep Out! 

Nationwide Matched Funding

Throughout the month of February, our Headline Sponsor Nationwide Building Society, will match all Sleep Out donations up to £50,000! So, for every pound you raise by sleeping out, Nationwide will double that, having twice the impact on the young people supported by Centrepoint.

Full Ts and Cs can be found here.

FAQs

Kit List:

  • A sleeping bag
  • A roll mat or yoga mat, if you want to add a little bit of comfort under your sleeping bag- you will be sleeping on hard floor so please bring necessary items if you need more support
  • A pillow
  • Thermals, warm layers, gloves and hats! (If you hit your fundraising target, you'll be able to pick up a Sleep Out hat on the night!)
  • Comfortable clothing
  • An eye mask
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste, and any other toiletries
  • A fully-charged phone with a torch- we will have some lights on overnight so you can find your way to the toilets
  • A power bank if necessary, there will be no power sockets available for charging
  • A reusable drinks cup or water bottle if you have one
  • Snacks - we will provide light snacks but you're welcome to bring some extra

Of course, at the end of the day Sleep Out is a challenge, and you can take that further by reducing your creature comforts!

Please do not bring:

  • Tents
  • Alcohol or glass bottles

Please be aware that there will not be a designated locked area to leave your things, so we would advise not to bring valuables, or to bring a smaller bag to keep valuables on you at all times. 

You will be sleeping in a safe and secure venue for a number of reasons:

Homelessness comes in many forms

It’s important to recognise that not all homelessness is rough sleeping and not having a roof to sleep under. In fact, 'hidden homelessness' makes up a large proportion of young people experiencing homelessness in the UK. Hidden homelessness can involve sofa surfing, staying with different relatives or staying with different friends. 

Health and Safety

By Sleeping Out in an enclosed, safe venue, we can make sure to carry out the necessary risk assessments and provide the relevant security to maintain the safety of participants.

Replication 

Sleep Out does not intend to directly replicate rough sleeping. Instead, we aim to provide a very small glimpse into just some of the challenges faced by young people facing homelessness. The evening aims to raise awareness through activities and informative talks, as well as providing insight into Centrepoint's work.

There will be lots of hot drinks on hand throughout the night, including teas, coffees and hot chocolates to keep you warm, as well as soft drinks and light snacks, all free of charge. 

Gluten free, vegan and dairy free options will be available. Please let us know if you have any allergies. 

We have an 11+ age limit. Anyone under 18 has to be accompanied by an adult, and if you would like to sign up someone under 18, please email sleepout@centrepoint.org as you will need to fill out a consent form before attending.

Yes! When you sign up, we will be in touch regularly with fundraising tips and advice and much more information about the event in the lead up to the night!

Also, why not check out our range of downloadable fundraising resources for the upcoming Sleep Out!

You can also contact us at sleepout@centrepoint.org if you need any extra help or advice.

Centrepoint staff hands out a warm drink to a Sleep Out participant

Ready to Sleep Out?

sleep out participant with rucksack and sleeping bag checking into Sleep Out
A life changing event and something that I will always remember… from the first moment of contact with Centrepoint right through to saying goodbye this morning.
Supported by Nationwide

Supported by Nationwide

We are delighted to welcome Nationwide as our Headline Sponsor for Sleep Out! Nationwide is sponsoring Centrepoint’s Sleep Out to help raise funds and awareness, so we can put an end to youth homelessness.

Nationwide and Centrepoint