Everton in the Community (EitC) is delighted to announce that registration is now open for supporters to take part in the 10th edition of its annual Sleepout at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Taking place on Friday 2 October, this year’s ‘Stadium Sleepout’ promises to be a landmark occasion, commemorating a decade of Blues coming together to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity’s ‘Home Is Where The Heart Is’ (HIWTHI) programme.
Supporters will have the chance to experience the superb sightlines of the stunning waterfront stadium, braving the winds off the River Mersey while gaining a snapshot of the daily challenges faced by people affected by homelessness across the Liverpool City Region.
Over the last 10 years, thousands of Evertonians have raised almost £500,000 for HIWTHI, which provides life-changing support to local young adults at risk of homelessness through the charity’s four-bedroom residential house and tailored outreach services.
During this decade, the Sleepout has transformed the lives of hundreds of young people across the city region. HIWTHI has prevented more than 150 individuals from falling into homelessness and provided 120 with tailored outreach support, including more than 80 who have progressed into employment, education or gained qualifications, and over 70 who have been supported to move into their own accommodation.
Now in its 10th year, EitC’s flagship fundraising event is challenging participants to raise a minimum sponsorship target of £150, with a £35 registration fee securing a place.
Since its launch in 2016, the Sleepout has become a hallmark event for EitC supporters. The first event was backed and attended by former Under-23s manager and Blues star David Unsworth and his entire squad and backroom staff and became the springboard for a season-long fundraising campaign for HIWTHI. Through a series of events, challenges and public donations, more than £230,000 was raised to secure a property which now offers young adults a safe place to stay while they get back on their feet.
HIWTHI provides at-risk young people with a place to rebuild their lives, along with bespoke support covering housing and tenancy management, budgeting, mental health, relationships and advocacy. The programme also helps participants stay on track and progress towards independent living, further education or employment. For example, the charity supported a former resident, Zahraa, to secure a full-time job, complete her college course and begin university, while continuing to provide guidance with her accommodation.
A decade of Sleepouts has shown the incredible impact supporters can make, and EitC is inviting everyone to take part in this historic event to help sustain the HIWTHI programme and continue its life-changing support for young adults.
Sarah Hunter, EitC’s Fundraising Manager, said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of our annual Sleepout, and we’re thrilled to invite supporters to be part of this milestone event at Hill Dickinson Stadium. It’s a special opportunity to come together as a community, experience a night that gives insight into the daily challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness and raise vital funds for young people in need through HIWTHI.
“Over the past decade our incredible supporters have helped hundreds of young people avoid homelessness and take steps towards independence. We can’t wait to welcome them, and many new faces, to what promises to be a memorable and inspiring evening on the banks of the Mersey.”
Please note, supporters must be 18 years of age or over on the event date to take part and can sign up here.