Sleep Out 2026
GIVE A NIGHT. FUND A FUTURE.
Friday November 13th | Norwich Cathedral | 7pm start
For a young person who has been at risk of homelessness, getting their own home can be life changing. But the journey doesn’t end when they get the keys. Young people need the right support to turn a tenancy into a secure future. Â
Young people may need support to set up their home, understand their responsibilities and build the confidence and skills to live independently.
This year Sleep Out is helping young people turn a tenancy into a future.
Through our Tenancy Transition Service and Rent Deposit Scheme, your fundraising will help young people overcome the barriers to securing a home, and provide the practical support they need to make it work.
A HOME IS JUST THE BEGINNING.
They supported me through my journey. They allowed me to have a real home. A safe place.
Tenancy Transition Service User
MICHAEL'S STORY
Right now, I’m 19 years old, but I’m almost 20. I grew up in Suffolk, but I was born in London. When I was taken into care at 12 years old, I moved to Norwich. It was all quite daunting. But I joined the local school where I had a lot of teachers that championed me, and I left with 3 good A levels.
I was with a foster family for 5 years, but they were struggling, so my social worker put me in touch with my local EveryYouth charity, The Benjamin Foundation. At the Benjamin Foundation, I was placed with a host family. They had 2 sons and they were all very nice. They taught me a lot of general life skills, including how to cook etc. I lived there for just a month. It was a stop gap really whilst I tried to figure out how to secure my own place.
My Tenancy Transition worker was able to help me access a rent deposit to quickly secure my own home. It was an absolute lifesaver! It helped me manage my finances and move in straight away.
It was crucial for me.
I’ve been working with Erica for the past 6 months during my move. There were a lot of bills to set up and it was a bit daunting. Erica did the initial home set up and taught me how to manage my own tenancy. She helped me out a lot. Erica helped me get my own fridge/freezer and things like that.Â
When I moved in, it was a shell, but now it’s becoming my home.
I’ve been working with Erica for the past 6 months during my move. There were a lot of bills to set up and it was a bit daunting. Erica did the initial home set up and taught me how to manage my own tenancy. She helped me out a lot. Erica helped me get my own fridge/freezer and things like that. When I moved in, it was a shell, but now it’s becoming my home.
Which is all just in time because I’m in the process of joining Norfolk police. I’m waiting for my exam certificates to come through, to hopefully start my degree apprenticeship by the end of the year.
FUNDRAISE FOR SLEEP OUT
When you buy your Sleep Out ticket, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to set up your fundraising page.
You will also receive our fundraising guide containing tips to help you reach your target!
Want to boost your total? Try a bake sale, workplace fundraiser or a mini sponsored challenge and add the proceeds to your Sleep Out fund
Further Event Information
Bring a sleeping bag, and a yoga mat or cardboard to sleep on
Bring plenty of warm, waterproof layers of clothing
A hot dinner and breakfast will be provided
Access to toilets and refreshments throughout
18+ participants only
Contact the team at events@benjaminfoundation.co.uk for further questions!
Sleep Out does not aim to replicate homelessness and what it is like to be lonely, frightened and vulnerable, but it does give participants a small glimpse of some of the challenges homeless people may face. It is an important fundraising event for our charity to help prevent youth homelessness and support local young people to take their next steps to leading successful independent lives. In today’s climate, your fundraising has become more important than ever. Thank you for your Sleep Out support.