Rotary clubs announce return of ‘Sleep Out to Kit Out’ in 2026
Rotary clubs in Cannock and Stafford are delighted to announce the return of their sponsored ‘Sleep Out’ event in 2026. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness and much needed funds to help local people to furnish a home of their own.
Participants will brave the elements for a challenging 12-hour stint at the ‘Sleep Out’ event taking place on Friday, 10 April 2026 at Cannock College located opposite the bus station.
Chris Young, Chair of the Organising Group said: “Cannock and Stafford Rotary clubs are delighted to announce the return of this event, which builds on two very successful events held in 2022 and 2024. These two events raised over £20,000 which has enabled us to make 41 grants that have been a lifeline for people and helped them move closer to independent living and into accommodation they can call home.
Rotary Clubs in Cannock and Stafford are delighted to announce the return of their sponsored ‘Sleep Out’ event in 2026. The aim of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness and much needed funds to help local people to furnish a home of their own.
A very grateful client said: “I don’t know what I would have done without the support I have been given, and I am now able to look after myself independently. I received a grant to purchase whitegoods that I could not afford to pay for myself. Prior to being in accommodation provided by the Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends I was struggling to pay my bills but thanks to their support and the grant I now have my own flat with a local Housing Association, and this has given me options with regards to a career and I am now starting a new chapter in my life. I plan to take part in the 2026 Sleep Out Event to show my support and help other people”.
Other examples of grants include:
A client of a Housing Association who had previously been sleeping on a camp bed for 18 months was able to purchase a bed with the grant he received.
A grant to a lady who had been made homeless due to domestic abuse, enabled her to move from a Women’s Refuge into a new home.
Other grants have purchased cookers, washing machines, fridges, beds and a carpet.
Grants have been given to clients of the following organisations:
Stafford and Cannock League of Hospital Friends
Heath Hayes Community Food
Pathway Project
Spring Housing Association
Walsall Housing Association
Children in Care and Care Leavers
Signpost Services
Burton Addition Centre.
‘Sleep Out’ participants will be welcomed to Cannock College from 6pm on Friday, April 10. All participants will be provided with a cardboard mat and are welcome to bring along cardboard and plastic sheeting to build a shelter for the night. The 12-hour event with end at 6am.
Early registration is encouraged as spaces are limited. A £10 registration fee secures a place, and this will be added to donations. Participants are encouraged to set a personal target to raise a minimum of £100 in sponsorship, however whatever amount you can raise will be very much appreciated.
If you would like to register for the event, provide support or receive more information please email or phone Helen Perren on helenretro75@gmail.com 07949079174.
We are very grateful to South Staffordshire College for their tremendous support, without which this event would not have been possible.
