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About School Sleep Out

Principals - Teachers - Students - Parents/Guardians

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Be The Generation That Ends Homelessness

This Friday, 10 October, schools across Ireland will join Shine A Light to take a stand against homelessness. Whether you're a teacher leading your class, a student team, or a whole school community, your support shines a light on one of the biggest social issues of our time.

With the backing of Bord Gáis Energy, your participation helps raise vital funds for Focus Ireland’s frontline services and sparks powerful conversations about empathy, inequality, and action.

We ask students to aim for a target of €250 to support our essential work. With the support of Bord Gáis Energy and your amazing fundraising, we aim to raise €1.4 million in 2025 to support people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

Host Your Own School Sleep Out

Event details

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Date:
Friday 10th October

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Time:
Your choice, flexible to the needs of your school. Please refer the resources provided for further guidance.

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Locations:
Carpark, school hall, sports pitch etc. Please refer the resources provided for further guidance.

Running order:
Please refer the resources provided for further guidance.

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What will be provided?

  • All students will receive a Shine A Light beanie hat once they have fundraised a minimum of €50.
  • Downloadable event materials to print such as posters and bunting.
  • An online programme featuring videos from Focus Ireland, our sponsors Bord Gáis Energy, and customers.

What to bring?

  • Your own sleeping bag (essential)
  • A yoga mat/ sleeping mat (optional)

What to wear?

  • Long sleeved thermal/polyester base layer
  • Warm fleece/down layer
  • Warm leggings/trousers
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Thick warm socks
  • Runners/comfortable shoes

What to pack?

  • Overnight bag
  • Waterproof jacket (required for your comfort and safety) 
  • Extra layers, a change of clothes and spare socks (store in a dry bag in your backpack) 
  • Mobile Phone (fully charged) + charger + battery pack  
  • Any medication you use (please do not share this medication at any time with other members under any circumstances) 
  • Toothbrush & toothpaste

Here's what you can expect

Optional Information Webinar

An optional pre-event webinar hosted by Focus Ireland to get your school excited for your School Sleep Out. This session will cover everything you need to know about the sleep out and the impact of your school’s participation.

Social Awareness

Opportunities to learn more about homelessness in Ireland and the impact of Focus Ireland's work. 

Tailored support every step of the way

We organised resources and support materials that will answer all your questions about Focus Ireland and Shine A Light, from event guides, to FAQs we got you covered! And if there are still questions don't hesitate in contacting us.

Team Work

Experience the sense of accomplishment that comes from working together as a school to raise critical funds for those in need. 

Your fundraising goal

 We are asking each participating  student to strive for a fundraising goal  of €250.  

 Why €250? 

 Your generous contributions will  directly impact the lives of those in  need.

Here's how your fundraising can make a difference:

€250

7 customers can receive advice, information and warm nutritious meals within our Coffee Shop

€750

3 families can receive wrap-around supports such as advice and information, allocated case workers with the ultimate goal of secure long-term accommodation

€1,000

3 young people and adults can receive support through our Preparation for Education, Training & Employment Service (PETE)

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Testimonials

A message from Gary Smith, TY coordinator from Ballinode College, Sligo:

As part of our first Transition Year in Ballinode College, the students asked if they could take part in the Focus Ireland Sleep Out Against Homelessness. From the first email to the night itself the process was made so easy for us. 

Setting up the sponsorship page online was simple as was making donations to it, which was a great help. 

On the night itself, Monica from Focus Ireland visited us and got involved in our evening of fun and games, she connected instantly with the students and made the night go much quicker for them. 

It could not have been easier to get involved in such an important fundraiser and we will be getting involved every year.