Taking place on Thursday November 13, Sleep Out invites participants to brave the cold and sleep underneath the canopy of the Link Building between the world-famous Biomes. It offers participants a brief insight into what it is like to sleep outside for a cold November night and raises crucial funds and awareness for homelessness charities The Amber Foundation and St Petrocs.
During the evening, participants will be entertained with live music and will hear inspiring stories from the sector and those affected by homelessness.
Among those performing will be Rhys Wynne-Jones, the Nightchurch Pianist, who last month was named The Pride of Britain Awards 2025 South West Fundraiser of the Year.
Rhys, who was supported by St Petrocs’ winter services, now feels compelled to use his talents to help others. His recent sold-out concerts have raised over £20,000.
This year’s Sleep Out comes as shocking new statistics from The Museum of Homelessness shows that the number of people who died while homeless in the UK reached a staggering record high of 1,611 last year.
The official statistics also show that the number of people rough sleeping in England rose 20% last year, whilst numbers living in temporary accommodation across the UK is also at record levels.
The Amber Foundation and St Petrocs have found that the situation in the South West is particularly bleak with more than 13,800 young people aged 16 to 24 having presented themselves to local authorities as homeless or at risk in 2023 to 24. This is a massive 58 per cent increase on the previous year and the UK's highest rate. The numbers also do not take into account those who do not seek help from their local authority.
Despite this, the incredible work from homeless charities is making a real difference. In 2024/25, 184 young people have left The Amber Foundation, with 70% doing so successfully into sustainable accommodation. In addition, 40% left with permanent employment, 8% left to go into education or training to help towards employment and 22% left having achieved a major goal, such as a Level 2 professional qualification.
Meanwhile, St Petrocs supported 1,402 people who were experiencing or facing homelessness last year. During this time, homelessness was ended for 537 people. During last winter, the charity supported 538 people, including helping 107 people through emergency accommodation. 91% of these did not return to sleeping rough. They will be running their winter emergency accommodation again this year.
Last year, around 90 participants took part in the Eden Project Sleep Out and raised over £17,000 for The Amber Foundation and St Petrocs. Many hundreds of attendees have shown solidarity with those who are affected by homelessness raising more than £100,000 since Eden Project Sleep Out started.
As part of the evening, the Eden Project’s chefs will guide attendees through cookery workshops and breakfast will be provided in the morning. Participants are asked to bring their own sleeping bag.
Dan James, the Eden Project’s development director, said: “Every year we are amazed and inspired by the conversations and experiences we share at the Eden Project Sleep Out. It is always an incredible evening and is a chance to make a real difference to those less fortunate than ourselves.
“The statistics released by The Museum of Homelessness are truly heart-breaking and highlight why the work from The Amber Foundation and St Petrocs are needed now, more than ever before. We’re proud to support these incredible charities and look forward to welcoming this year’s participants to another memorable event.”
For more information and to sign up for this year’s Eden Project Sleep Out, see www.edenproject.com.
