Hundreds more people will be sleeping rough tonight as part of The Big Skipton Sleepout – following a similar event held last weekend by Guernsey’s scouts and guides.
Both events were planned to raise money for Caritas as it aims to collect £1million to fund a new community housing development.
The scouts and guides raised more than £6,000 last weekend – with tonight’s event set to welcome around 150 adults and children, raising thousands more for Caritas.
The charity’s modular housing project aims to provide a tangible solution to homelessness in Guernsey.
To support that aim, both the scouts and guides last weekend and the hundreds taking part tonight, have chosen to sleep beneath the stars in exchange for sponsorship.
Tonight’s event is going ahead regardless of the weather, unless a ‘Red’ alert is issued.
Those taking part will be arriving at the KGV from 19:00.
They’ve been told they can bring a mat, newspaper, or cardboard to sleep on along with a sleeping bag, warm clothes, water and snacks.
They may replicate the “remarkable resilience and creativity” demonstrated by the island’s scouts and guides last weekend, which saw some of them building shelters, while others “roughed it” with just a bivvy bag for the night.
Jane King, Bailiwick Scouts Volunteer Development Team Lead, said every single one of them braved the cold until morning, embodying the Scouting and Guiding spirit of being prepared for any challenge.
They also received a special The Big Skipton Sleep Out badge last Saturday morning on completion of their challenge.
“What an amazing event!” said Mrs King. “A huge thank you to Skipton International for agreeing to us putting on our own Sleepout so that our young people can take part. Thanks also to all the leaders and organisers who made it happen.
“When we heard about The Big Skipton Sleep Out, we knew it was something our Scouts and Explorers would rise to. We reached out to the Guides, and they were just as keen to join us, which made it even more special.
“One of the most impactful parts of this experience has been raising awareness of homelessness in Guernsey. Many of our young people and their families were surprised to learn how many islanders lack secure housing. It was a cold and challenging night, but we’re so proud of how everyone rose to the occasion to support Caritas’ important work.”
Charlotte Dunsterville, Chief Commercial Officer at Skipton International, congratulated the scouts and guides for their event as she prepared to take part tonight herself.
“The Scouts and Guides Sleep Out is a wonderful example of how our community is stepping up to address the homelessness crisis,” she said. “Events like these not only raise essential funds but also bring attention to a challenge that often goes unseen.
“At Skipton International, we are committed to supporting initiatives that make a real difference in our community. Seeing young people embrace this challenge with such determination is truly inspiring.”
For more information on tonight’s event and to download the sponsorship form and information booklet, visit caritas.org.gg/the-big-skipton-sleep-out-2025.
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