30/10/2026
💙 A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who took part in, supported and helped make our Big Sleepout such a powerful and memorable event! 💙
It's not too late to give if you would like to: https://www.justgiving.com/charity/pathways-ofchesterfield
From Chesterfield Borough Council to every single person who took part, volunteered, shared their experiences or helped behind the scenes — we couldn’t have done it without you. 🙏
Some of our brave participants spent the night sleeping on cardboard, out in the open, in cold, windy temperatures, with heavy rain at times pelting down on them and only a sheet for cover. They told us that the experience gave them a small insight into the harsh realities faced by people experiencing homelessness. One lady said "What a fabulous and poignant evening, lots to think about".
We knew our night would eventually come to an end. But for so many people, this is not a one-night experience — it is their everyday reality.
One participant took the challenge even further, choosing not to eat or drink during the experience in an attempt to better understand what it might feel like to go without basic necessities.
❤️ A special thank you to RRT (Rapid Relief Team), who came to see us in the early hours of the morning to provide hot drinks and a hot butty! What a wonderful thing for us to receive during a cold, wet and challenging night. That kindness and thoughtfulness meant so much to everyone taking part. Thank you for looking after us!
The evening was filled with powerful moments. We heard from people with lived experience of homelessness and addiction, whose stories were so moving that you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone listened intently, and their words reminded us why it is so important to listen, learn and understand.
🎤 We also enjoyed a fantastic open mic session, with some wonderfully brave people stepping forward to share their talents.
🧠 Our quiz was a great success, bringing everyone together for some fun and friendly competition.
But one of the most sobering moments came when our CEO shared the devastating statistics and losses our community has endured. She read out the names of people who have sadly passed away while using our service. Hearing those names was a heartbreaking reminder that homelessness is not just about having nowhere to live — it can be a matter of life and death.
Our Big Sleepout was about more than spending a night in the cold. It was about raising awareness, challenging perceptions, building empathy and remembering those who are no longer with us.
Thank you to everyone who stood alongside us, helped shine a light on homelessness and made this event so meaningful. Together, we can continue to raise awareness, show compassion and work towards a future where everyone has a safe place to call home.
