Businesses are being urged to brave the elements for the return of the Big Harrogate Sleepout.
The event is back in October, inviting fundraisers to sleep rough for one night in aid of Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP).
Last year’s inaugural event, organised by HHP and Harrogate Spring Water, raised over £2,500.
And this year’s sleepout, set to be held on Thursday 2nd October, is aiming to be ‘even bigger’ with more businesses involved.
The event is set to welcome Just ‘B’ as a new charity partner – a specialist bereavement and emotional wellbeing service that is part of a wider charity with Saint Michael’s Hospice.
Ian Swann, Operations Director at Harrogate Spring Water, who returns to the Sleepout for the second time, said:
“We’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when businesses across Harrogate come together for a cause.
"The Sleepout is not just about one night – it’s about showing solidarity, raising awareness and funding the services that catch people when they’re most in need.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Harrogate Homeless Project and Just ‘B’ this year and urge the business community to get behind the event.
“It’s a unique opportunity for teams to step outside of the boardroom and do something meaningful together.”
Commenting on the partnership with Just ‘B’, Richard Cooper, Chief Executive at Harrogate Homeless Project, added:
“We wanted to partner with Just B because we both support people when they are at their most vulnerable – when they have lost a loved one and when they have lost a home.
“Our joint venture will mean that vulnerable people will be supported through their darkest days often when they can see no way through their loss.
“Last year’s Sleepout was a brilliant show of community spirit – and this year, we’re aiming even higher. The involvement of the local business community is what makes this event truly special.
“We’re pleased to be returning to Harrogate Rugby Club and invite even more organisations to take part.”
By spending one night under the stars at Harrogate Rugby Club, businesses and individuals will help raise vital funds to support services like HHP’s Springboard Day Centre, No Second Night Out programme and Just ‘B’s emotional wellbeing work with children, young people and adults – including those facing or at risk of homelessness.
Clare Schmidt, Director of Client Services at Just ‘B’, said:
“We’re so pleased to be one of the charities to benefit from The Big Harrogate Sleep Out, following the success of last year’s event.
“Just ‘B’ is funded by the generosity of supporters and funders, with events like this ensuring our bereavement support can continue being here for children, young people and adults across North Yorkshire.
“This includes the homeless community, where we know that unresolved grief often plays a big part in the complex lives of many homeless people.
“People who are homeless have often lost their trust in the wider community.
“Therefore, supporting an individual who is homeless through our Just ‘B’ service, means creating a safe and supportive space where the person learns to trust us enough, to open up about their bereavement experiences.”
Harrogate Rugby Club will once again host the event, offering a secure space for the night and supporting the wider community effort.
Participants can expect a programme of community-led activities, team-building and reflection.
Find more information about The Big Harrogate Sleepout 2025 online here.
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