AN ESTIMATED group of 130 Islanders are expected to hunker down in a chilly St Helier car park this evening as the annual Sanctuary Trust Sleep Out takes place.
The event, which starts at 8pm and runs until first light tomorrow, takes place every November to raise awareness, and funds, for the work carried out by Sanctuary Trust in tackling homelessness in Jersey.
Participants will gather at Pier Road car park, where they will be greeted with hot soup and acoustic music before settling down for a less-than-comfortable night on the cold concrete floor.
Tim Ringsdore, the charity’s chair, said: “The Sleep Out is Sanctuary Trust’s flagship event of the year.
“Earlier in 2025, I spent a week sleeping outdoors in St. Aubin for my ‘Week Without a Home’ challenge, which was set by our residents and gave me just a glimpse of how tough it can be.
“But I’ll always emphasise that the Sleep Out is not about replicating homelessness – it’s about solidarity, awareness, and raising the funds we urgently need to continue supporting people in crisis.”
The event, which is sponsored by Skipton International and supported by Beresford Street Kitchen, racked up £30,000 worth of funds in 2024, and there is a hope that the £50,000 mark might be crossed this year, with a number of corporate participants having signed up for an unconventional night’s team-bonding.
Those wishing to make donations can do so by visiting justgiving.com/campaign/sleep-out-for-sanctuary-2025
