To support its work with vulnerable children around the world, the Railway Children charity has challenged the rail community to spend an uncomfortable night sleeping on a station floor.
Last year, 360 people took part in Railway Children Sleepout at stations throughout the UK and raised over £170,000.
This year's Railway Children Sleepout will be held on Thursday, March 14th.
So far, 12 stations have confirmed they will take part, including Glasgow Central, Manchester Piccadilly, Derby, Leeds, Swansea, Birmingham New Street, London Waterloo, London Liverpool Street, London St Pancras, and London Bridge.
Even though the event does not replicate the hardship faced by many children around the world, often lacking shelter and safety at night, it does help to create awareness and raise vital funds for their support.
If anyone wishes to join the Sleepout, all they need to do is register, choose one of the participating station, and raise a minimum sponsorship of £100.
A Railway Children team will be available at every station to answer questions and inform everyone about the positive difference they are making to vulnerable children in Tanzania, India and the UK. Anyone can take part as an individual or as part of a team of colleagues or friends together.
The challenge is to give up home comforts for one night, knowing that you'll have a roof over your head, warm food and drink, companionship, and knowing that it's all for a good cause.
Money raised will go even further and change more children's lives and is being sponsored by VolkerRail with the support of Network Rail. There is limited capacity at each station. Further details of the event and how to take part can be found online by clicking here.
Railway Children CEO, Rob Capener, said: “Our Sleepout always has a brilliant atmosphere and we're hoping this year's event will have a big impact with the help of our supporters and the rail community.
“Working closely with the British Transport Police, we know that hundreds of vulnerable young people are identified on the UK rail network every day. Many are running away from difficult situations at home, being groomed by abusers or exploited by county lines gangs. The challenges children and young people face are more prevalent than ever with increasing levels of poverty, exploitation, poor mental health and the lasting effects of the pandemic on their well-being and development.
“The Sleepout event is a great way to raise vital funds for our programmes that help us reach children in need of urgent support while increasing awareness of our work with thousands of people who use the transport system every day.”
Andrew Wilkins, Finance Director at VolkerRail, said: “VolkerRail has, for many years, been supporting Railway Children and the valuable work they do to make the lives of countless vulnerable young people much better. We are delighted to be able to continue our support by sponsoring and participating in the 2024 Sleepout.
“I have taken part in all the previous Sleepouts and whilst it is always a cold, uncomfortable and sometimes noisy experience with not much sleep, it is also a memorable and uplifting experience, shared with others. I am fortunate, as all participants are, that we can go home the next day back to our warm and comfortable houses.
“Each year as I'm travelling home, I think of all the young people who have also spent the previous night sleeping outside – alone, hungry, cold, uncomfortable and often in danger – and who will be doing the same that night. I think about how different their lives are, how fortunate we are and realise why we support Railway Children.”
