Birmingham City Mission – Sponsored Sleepout

Birmingham City Mission’s Sponsored Sleepout is an annual event when up to 100 hardy souls raise funds for our work with homeless people at the Care and Resource Centres. Taking place on February 23rd, now is the time to register your interest.

To find out more and to register visit their website HERE.

Stephanie Nixon is a veteran Sleepouter, having done the BCM Sponsored Sleepout in both 2022 and 2023. She said:

When a friend of mine told me about the incredible work BCM does and shared the Sleepout information with me, I eagerly signed up, got sleeping bags and set up a fundraising page. I’d wanted to sleep out for charity for years, and it was like an answered prayer when my friend sent me the details!

On the night I was warmly greeted by lovely BCM staff. Everyone taking part was given a hot drink and some soup, and we listened to people sharing about the work that the Mission has done, transforming the lives of people across Birmingham for the better. The staff helped me get my box put together, and I was able to set up my sleeping bag ready for the night.

When the time came to go to sleep, I wrapped up in my sleeping bag and tried to stay warm. It was an unusual experience, lying in a cardboard box with nothing but the sleeping bag, a floormat and blanket for protection. Trying to get sleep in the cardboard box whilst out in the cold opened my eyes to what it really means to ‘sleep rough’ – exposed to the elements, feeling the biting cold and struggling to stay warm.

But it was a very worthwhile experience! I highly recommend doing this. It gives you a real insight into what the homeless face every night.