The Big Sleep 2026 will take place on Tuesday 17th March at the University of Leicester Centenary Square, in aid of The Bridge Homelessness to Hope!
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Sleeping out for the night might be fun, but for many people this is an every night reality, and is why The Bridge Homelessness to Hope are once again spending a night sleeping outside to fundraise for their much-needed and important work with the homeless community.
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The Bridge Homelessness To Hope is an outreach to the lost and lonely of Leicester, to the homeless and to those who just have nowhere to go and no one to turn to.
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By participating in this event, you are helping to support the vital work we do, which includes providing:
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A Breakfast and Lunch Service
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Access to Hot Showers
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Clothing and Toiletries
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Washing and Drying Facilities
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We also have three Case Workers, who will look to support our guests with a range of needs, including:
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Housing Advice and Support
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Benefit Advice and Support
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Connecting with a GP or Dentist
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Accessing Mental Health and Wellbeing Support
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When & where will The Big Sleep 2026 take place?
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The main 'Big Sleep' event will take place on Tuesday 17th March 2025 between 8.00pm - 8.00am at the University of Leicester in Centenary Square.
This year, we are also offering the chance for people to take part in The Big Sleep 2026 by sleeping outside in their own back gardens between Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd March.
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* In the case of adverse weather, The Big Sleep will be moved into the Charles Wilson Sports Hall at the UoL Campus Centre.
Who can get involved?
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Anyone can take part in The Big Sleep 2026, however you must be 18 or over to join us at The University of Leicester Big Sleep events.
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You can either take part in this fundraising event as an individual or by building up a team of supporters by getting your friends, family and colleagues involved.
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Whether they sponsor your 'Big Sleep' or join you for a night under the stars, we want you to get as many people involved as possible in support of The Bridge and to raise awareness of homelessness.
How do I take part in The Big Sleep 2026?
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To take part in The Big Sleep 2025, you will need to do the following:
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1. Complete a Big Sleep 2026 Registration Form.
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Students from the University of Leicester who are taking part in The Big Sleep 2026 will need to complete a Registration Form with UoL.
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2. Set up your fundraiser on Enthuse either as an individual or as part of a team. See below for more details.
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Taking part on your own?​
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If you are taking part in The Big Sleep on your own, click the 'Fundraise' button at the top of the page and follow the signing up process.
Taking Part in a Team?
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If you are fundraising as part of a team, click the 'Create a Team' button located at the top of the page and follow the signing up process.
Spread The Word!
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All set up? Now it's time to tell everyone about your fundraiser! In order to raise money, you will need sponsors, so get sharing your fundraiser with as many people as possible.
What you will need:
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A sleeping bag and blankets
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A flask for hot drinks
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Warm clothing - the more layers the better!
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Scarf, hat and gloves
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Cardboard (for under your sleeping bag) will be provided.
Raising Awareness
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We are trying to make this as authentic as possible, so whilst we encourage you to bring your mobile phone, we would ask that you please keep usage to an absolute minimum and preferably only on social media to promote the event. Fundraising for ‘The Big Sleep’ is of course very important but it’s also important to highlight the issue of homelessness.
Parking
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Parking is available at The University of Leicester. If you wish to park at UoL, please send us your car registration before the event via gemma@bridgeleicester.org so that we can notify the university.
Health & Safety
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A risk assessment has been carried out for the event and there will be a qualified first aider on hand throughout.
There will be toilet access on the University campus.
​Get in Touch!
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For more information about The Big Sleep, please get in touch with us via gemma@bridgeleicester.org