Frequently Asked Questions

About the challenge
Date: Friday 6th November 2020
Location: Your own home, back garden, school or clubhouse. 

Do I have to sleep outside?
No, you don't have to sleep outside. Just select the option to sleep inside when you register with us. We ask that if you sleep inside that you remove some home comforts (like the TV, tablet and phone) and if you are doing this in a group, please sleep in the same room. This will reflect what some families experience when they are homeless and in unsupported accommodation like a hostel or B&B. 

Why are you allowing people to sleep inside? That doesn't feel like experiencing homelessness.
Many people that experience homelessness do so without being on the streets. They may have a roof over their head, but that doesn't mean it's a home. It's sometimes temporary accommodation that they have to share with strangers, that doesn't have home comforts like a TV or radio. It could mean sleeping on someone's floor or sofa that is unsafe and unreliable, and meaning no fixed address so they can get a job or claim benefits. So we want to use this year's Manchester Sleepout to raise awareness of the people that experience 'hidden homelessness', as well as those that are more visible on the streets.

Why are you asking people to fundraise?
The demand for our services is increasing every year, and never more so than reopening after lockdown. For this reason, as a charity we need to continue to fundraise to make sure our vital services are sustainable. Your support will help us to continue to offer advice, support and activities for people who have experienced homelessness.

What will the money raised go towards?
The funds raised at The Manchester Sleepout will enable the Booth Centre to continue to support hundreds more people in the coming year. We will be telling you more about this on the night, so make sure you tune in to our live stream.

​Can we drink alcohol during our challenge.
​We strongly ask that even though you are organising this yourself, you don't drink alcohol for safety reasons. Also, we are careful to make sure that The Manchester Sleepout is not promoting a party or a festival. People are homeless and lonely night after night, and whilst you will be safe and in good company, this is only a snapshot of the hardships people that are homeless face.

Is there an age limit to take part?
As you will be organising your own Sleepout challenge, children are welcome to take part as long as there is at least one responsible adult taking part *.  All participants do so at their own risk, and any children participating are the responsibility of the adults that are present. 

What time does the event start and finish?
We are in the process of confirming the schedule for the night, and we will be letting you know via email.  

​How should I start collecting sponsorship?
​The simplest way to reach your fundraising goal is to set up your own online fundraising page. We strongly recommend using JustGiving, as it's easy to use and share and the funds will come directly to the Booth Centre. You can set up a team page if there is a group of you taking part and see your progress towards your target. More info on how to set up a page will be on the resources section shortly.

Can I use a paper sponsor form as well as fundraising online?
You can download a paper sponsorship form from the resources section shortly.

How should we prepare for our Sleepout challenge?
We will be sending you lots of lots of hints and tips in the lead up, so check your inbox for our emails.

​Can I join in the event if I haven't registered?
No, unfortunately not. All participants must have completed a registration form and paid the registration fee.

Why is there a registration fee?
This small fee goes towards the administrative costs of you taking part in the event. As a small charity, we need to cover these costs so that more of the funds raised can go directly toward helping people who are homeless.

Is The Manchester Sleepout a political protest?
No. The Booth Centre does not have any political or religious affiliations. The aim of The Manchester Sleepout is simply to raise awareness of our work supporting homeless people and to raise vital funds towards our services.

* If it is a youth group or school taking part, please adhere to your own safe guarding regulations in regards to Adult/child ratio.

If you have any further questions about the Sleepout please email Miriam@boothcentre.org.uk.