School

About School Sleep Out

Principals - Teachers - Students - Parents/Guardians

This Friday, October 11, Focus Ireland and Bord Gáis Energy are inviting students to participate in a powerful and impactful experience: a School Sleep Out. Shine A Light aims to inspire students to take action, raise funds for crucial homeless services, and foster empathy for the thousands of people in Ireland experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Did you know that over 4,000 children in our country don’t have a permanent home? That’s a staggering number. Every child deserves to feel safe and secure, and a home is at the heart of that. But for too many children, this is missing.

Organise your very own School Sleep Out for Shine A Light on Friday, 11 October on your school grounds – this could be your school car park, your school hall, your sports pitch, or your classroom! By dedicating one night to this vital cause, gives you and your school the chance to learn about the pressing issue of homelessness and make a real impact in the lives of the people we work with.

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 2024 to support people experiencing homelessness in Ireland.

Host Your Own School Sleep Out

Event details

Date:
Friday 11th October

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

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.

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.