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Group sitting by a fire pit in the evening at Eden

Sleep Out for homelessness charities

About the Sleep Out

For the last ten years the Eden Project has hosted an annual Sleep Out outside the Biomes, raising thousands of pounds for local homelessness charities; St Petrocs and the Amber Foundation. Participants are invited to sleep underneath the canopy of the Link Building between our Biomes to get a brief insight into what it's like to be a rough sleeper - if only for one night.

The aim is not to replicate homelessness, but to raise awareness and vital funds for local charities dedicated to making a difference. Last year, around 85 participants took part on a chilly night at Eden and raised over £13,000 for the two charities. Since the first Eden Sleep Out in 2014, hundreds of participants have taken on the challenge and slept outside for the night to show solidarity with those who are affected by homelessness. In that time, more than £100,000 has been raised for these crucial charities.

Sleepout 2021 group shot at Eden

What to expect

On the night, attendees can expect entertainment, such as a reading from a local author, music from a local musician and hear inspiring talks from the sector and those affected by homelessness. Take part in make it yourself cookery workshops for dinner, sleep outside the Biomes overnight and wake up to breakfast in the morning. We only ask that you bring your own sleeping bag.

Dan James quote

Dan James, Eden’s development director

“ Homelessness is a very real problem in the South West and whole of the UK, and with the current cost of living crisis, individuals and families need our help more than ever. ”

Fundraising

You can pick between two local charities to fundraise for, here's a little more about the amazing work they do:

Two young males crouched around a fire at the Eden Project, wearing coats and hats, warming their hands up

The Amber Foundation

The Amber Foundation houses and supports young people (aged 16-30) at supported housing centres in Devon and beyond. Their centres in Devon and Wiltshire provide a safe and supportive place for young people to stay from right across the region. The foundation provides personalised support to help people move on from Amber to a job, a place in education or training and most importantly a safe, secure place to call home.

Sleepout event at Eden

St Petrocs

St Petrocs are working to end homelessness in Cornwall because every person has a right to a safe and secure home. St Petrocs is a charity providing a range of services with the aim of ending homelessness for good. These services include outreach, resettlement and supported accommodation. They provide access to advice, support and medical services at our resource centres, including an in-house counselling system, and run a skills, training and employment programme.

Participant quote

Sleep Out participant

“ I choose to Sleep Out at Eden Project – others aren’t fortunate enough to have that choice. Raising funds for those who work on the ground to support people who find themselves homeless feels like the least I can do to help. The Sleep Out is a well-organised and heart-warming event and lovely to be part of. ”

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