More than £10,000 has been raised to help combat homelessness and support local bereavement services after the success of the second annual Big Harrogate Sleepout.
Hosted once again at Harrogate Rugby Club, the event on Thursday 2nd Octobe saw over 30 people from 10 local businesses and the community experience a very wet night under the stars.
It was to raise awareness and vital funds for two Harrogate charities, the Harrogate Homeless Project (HHP) and Just ‘B’.
The funds raised will go towards maintaining Harrogate Homeless Project’s initiatives like the Springboard Day Centre and the No Second Night Out program, as well as Just ‘B’s emotional wellbeing work with children, young people and adults across Harrogate and North Yorkshire.
Local businesses, including Harrogate Spring Water – which spearheaded the initiative last year – Raworths Solicitors, Titan Wealth Management, Skipton Building Society, Swinton Park Estate, M J Ryder, Claro Enterprises, Lido Leisure Park and Provenance Inns participated, demonstrating the power of the local community to come together for this important cause.
Richard Cooper, Chief Executive of Harrogate Homeless Project, praised the collective effort. He said:
“We are deeply moved by the community’s response to The Big Harrogate Sleepout for its second year. The money raised will directly support vulnerable people when they have lost a loved one and when they have lost a home. The involvement of the local business community is what makes this event truly special, and we thank all participants for their solidarity.”
Clare Schmidt, Director of Client Services at Just ‘B’, added:
“We’re so pleased to be one of the charities to benefit this year.
"This vital funding, which is almost entirely community-funded for us, ensures our bereavement support can continue being here for children, young people and adults, including the homeless community where we know unresolved grief often plays a big part in complex lives.
"The success of this event truly makes a difference!”
Participants enjoyed a programme of community-led activities, food and refreshments, team-building and reflection.
The title of 'Big Harrogate Sleepout Quiz Winners' for 2025 also went to Raworths Solicitors.
Ian Swann, Operations Director at Harrogate Spring Water, said:
“We’ve seen first-hand how powerful it is when businesses across Harrogate come together for a local cause.
"The Sleepout is not just about one night – it’s about showing solidarity, raising awareness and funding the services that help people when they’re most in need.
“We’re proud to stand alongside Harrogate Homeless Project and Just ‘B’ this year.”
Donations are still being accepted for the fundraising campaign to further support the ongoing work of both Harrogate Homeless Project and Just ‘B’.
For more information or to donate, please visit: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/big-harrogate-sleepout.
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