Join the Turf Sleepout to help the homeless

Could you spend a night at a famous football ground to help raise funds for homelessness charity Emmaus Burnley?

Emmaus Burnley is one of four charities inviting business leaders and members of the public to raise sponsorship to sleep over at Burnley Football Club’s Turf Moor stadium on November 18th. Other charities taking part are Pendleside Hospice, Safenet Domestic Abuse Service and Burnley FC in the Community.

More homeless people

The latest government figures show 278,110 households were homeless or at risk of homelessness in England during the 2021 to 2022 financial year, 604 of which were in Burnley. This is a 17 per cent increase in the town compared with the same period the previous year.

Emmaus Burnley helps people with experience of homelessness by providing a safe and supportive place to live, and meaningful work and training opportunities to help build people’s skills, confidence and self esteem.

'An important experience'

Director of Emmaus Burnley Stephen Buchanan said: “The Turf Sleepout is a unique opportunity for business leaders and members of the public to spend the night in a famous stadium and give back by raising money to support people in need within the local community.

“Sleeping outside for the night serves as an important reminder of what life is like day-in and day-out for many people who are street homeless. These people do not have the option of shelter like we will have at Turf Moor, and come to Emmaus, after sleeping in all weathers in all places.

“I would urge anyone working for local businesses and members of the public to bed down at Burnley FC for the night and take up the challenge of fundraising.”

Register now

Registrations are now open for anyone over the age of 16 with a polite request of a minimum sponsorship requirement of £250 from event organisers. Places are limited so please register your place now for just £15 at Eventbrite page Turf Sleepout 2022.

Tea, coffee & refreshments will be available to all participants along with early evening food.

On Eventbrite, Burnley FC in the Community said: “Over 50 fundraisers took part at the previous sleepout in 2019, raising more than £28,000 for the participating charities. This year, the goal is to raise a minimum of £50,000.”

Sponsor Emmaus

If you would like to sponsor Stephen, who will be sleeping out at Turf Moor, please make a donation through his Turf Moor 2022 Just Giving page here.