Sleep Out event raises £41,500 for charity

More than 140 islanders gave up the comfort of their beds on Friday night to take part in this year’s Sleep Out, helping to raise £41,000 for Sanctuary Trust’s work supporting men facing homelessness.

A total of 145 participants bedded down in the Pier Road car park, joining the annual effort to highlight the realities of rough sleeping and raise vital funds. Sanctuary Trust currently provides accommodation for up to 30 men across its three residences and has supported nearly 400 individuals since its launch in 2011.

Donations from the event are still being counted, but the Trust says the response has been overwhelming. Chair Tim Ringsdore praised those who took part:

“Seeing so many people come together was incredibly humbling. Everyone who faced the cold that night did more than join an event—they offered a lifeline of hope to those in our community with nowhere to call home. Your support shows them they are not forgotten.

“We work every day, alongside other dedicated charities, to keep people safe, to restore dignity, and to help rebuild lives. I’m deeply grateful to our team, who are there 24/7 for the men who need us most. Together, we are changing lives.”

The evening also featured a performance from Vini Jones of the Grace Trust, who debuted a song written especially for Sanctuary Trust. Beresford Street Kitchen supported the volunteers and participants by providing hot soup at night and pastries the following morning.

Sanctuary Trust CEO Sarah Tumelty emphasised the broader message behind the event:

“No one in our island should ever be forced to spend a night in a car park. Our community deserves services that can offer help the moment it’s needed.”