Arc are excited to announce the return of The Big Sleep Out as an ‘in-person event’, as well as giving the option of joining virtually from home.

Taunton’s first ever Big Sleep Out was in 2015 and has since been held every year with the aim of raising vital funds and awareness to support the local homeless community.

Each year it has grown and has made a great difference to the support local homeless charity Arc are able to provide, seeing over 130 people participate in one of the most recent sleep outs.

The event raises funds and awareness by participants getting sponsored to sleep outside for just one night, giving their bed up and braving the elements!

Most years, the Big Sleep Out has been hosted by Arc in a car park in Taunton, where participants meet up to sleep out together. Due to the pandemic, the past two years have been held virtually, where participants have slept out in their gardens at home and joined a live stream.

Arc are excited to return to The Big Sleep Out in its traditional sense, and it will be held on Friday, June 10 at the car park behind their office at 7 The Crescent, Taunton. However, they are also giving the option for participants to take part from home, if preferred.

Although the evening does show some harsh realities faced by rough sleepers, Arc do not wish to replicate homelessness and as well as keeping everyone safe, Arc provide an enjoyable evening for those giving up their beds for the night. Participants will enjoy live music from local artists, either in person or via a live stream, as well as the opportunity to socialise with others. The event is suitable for all ages and you can take part as a group, with friends, family, colleagues or take on the challenge on your own. It’s a great eye opener and you’ll be changing lives whilst you sleep.

Rosie Hather, fundraising and communications manager at Arc says, “Each year the participants of our Big Sleep Out raise a fantastic amount that truly makes a difference to those who have become homeless. With homelessness increasing due to the impacts of the pandemic, we really need support from our community so we can continue and expand our services. The Big Sleep Out is a great and fun way to show that support and we hope that by offering an in-person and virtual event for 2022 will mean it’s accessible by lots of people and this can be our biggest year yet!”

To take part, fill out a registration form. Visit: www.arcinspire.co.uk/bigsleepout2022 or contact Alice at: [email protected] / 01823 271326.