Anyone keen to raise money to support homeless people while showing solidarity with them, can now sign up for next year’s ‘Big Skipton Sleep Out’.
The 2026 edition of the fundraiser will again see those taking part sleeping outside overnight.
The inaugural event, which took place earlier this year, saw 150 people participate raising more than £40,000 in the process.
The Big Skipton Sleep Out returns for its second year on Friday 23 January at the King George V Memorial Playing Fields.
It will once again be raising funds for The Caritas Community Project, a modular housing initiative by Caritas Guernsey to provide stable, dignified accommodation and wraparound support services for people experiencing homelessness.
An estimated 1 in 64 people in Guernsey are without secure housing, something the CEO of Skipton International, Susan Fouquier, wants to help tackle,
“As one of the island’s largest mortgage providers, we know how important secure housing is and how devastating it can be when people don’t have access to it,” she said. “That’s why we created The Big Skipton Sleep Out: to bring the community together and raise funds for real, practical solutions.
“It’s a tough night, but it’s also a hopeful one because every person who takes part is helping to build something better.”
Graham Merfield, Chair of Caritas Guernsey, added: “The reality is that too many people in our community still don’t have a place to call home. That’s why the support from The Big Skipton Sleep Out is so vital. The funds raised last year have already helped us take real steps toward building a modular housing community that offers not just shelter, but dignity, stability, and hope.”
Mr Merfield said the islands can make a difference, by signing up to take part in the Big Skipton Sleepout to help change lives.
“This year, we have the chance to go even further, but we can’t do it alone. If you believe that everyone deserves a safe place to live, then join us. Sign up, sleep out, and be part of something that truly changes lives.”
The event is open to individuals and corporate teams, for people aged 16 and over, with participants sleeping out from 19:00 to 06:30 with only basic shelter.
You can find out more and sign up for the charity fundraiser on Skipton’s website HERE.