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At UnityMK, we’re inviting our community to take part in the Big Sleepout 2026, a powerful, eye-opening event raising vital funds and awareness for people facing and experiencing homelessness across Milton Keynes.
This year is especially meaningful as we mark 15 years of our night shelter service. To celebrate this milestone, we’re aiming to raise £8,000 - funds that could help provide a full winter season of meals for our night shelter guests*.
By joining us this May, you’ll be part of that ongoing impact.
🌙One Night That Makes a Big Difference
Swap your comfortable bed for a powerful, thought-provoking experience. Spend one night outdoors to support UnityMK’s work with people facing homelessness.
You’ll sleep in a concrete car park, whatever the weather, with just a few layers and a sleeping bag. While it’s only a brief glimpse into rough sleeping, it offers a meaningful insight into the realities many people face every day.
📍Event Details
Date: Friday 15 May – Saturday 16 May
Location:
Cranswick Convenience Foods
Steinbeck Crescent
Milton Keynes
MK4 4AE
We’re incredibly grateful to our corporate partner, Cranswick Convenience Foods, for once again providing their secure car park - this is the fifth year they’ve supported our Big Sleepout.
Participants will have access to toilets and washing facilities, hot drinks, and first aid support throughout the night.
Please note that parking may be limited, so we encourage car sharing where possible. You may need to walk a short distance to the event
💥Event Schedule:
8:00pm – Arrival and welcome
9:00pm – Set up sleeping areas
10:00pm – Bed down for the night
6:00am – Pack up and grab-and-go breakfast
Please note: parking is limited, so we encourage car sharing where possible.
🧍Who Can Take Part?
We welcome anyone who feels physically able to spend a night outdoors.
Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times by a parent or guardian
We recommend that children under 12 do not attend
All participants will be required to sign a waiver before taking part. If you would like to review this in advance, please email fundraising@unitymk.org.
🧳What to Bring
We’ll provide cardboard to sleep on, but you’ll need to bring:
A warm sleeping bag
Plenty of warm layers
Hat and gloves
Torch
Please remember—this is a fully outdoor event, whatever the weather.
💰Fundraising for UnityMK
We ask everyone to raise at least £50, but many participants choose to challenge themselves to raise even more. The more you raise, the greater the impact, helping us reach our £8,000* target and provide a full winter season of meals for our night shelter guests.
The easiest way to fundraise is by setting up a JustGiving page and linking it to our campaign, making it simple to share your journey with friends, family, and colleagues: justgiving.com/campaign/unitymk-big-sleepout-2026
*Funds raised will be used unrestricted where they are needed most within UnityMK, ensuring every donation has the greatest possible impact
⚠️Health & Safety
While this event is low risk, please be mindful of the following:
Ensure you are physically able to spend a night outdoors in potentially cold or wet conditions,
Follow all instructions from event leaders at all times,
Adhere to Cranswick’s on-site health and safety procedures, including fire and emergency guidance.
No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted.
Food containing nuts or seeds is not allowed on site.
Inform event staff immediately if you feel unwell or are injured.
Under-18s must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
💥Ready to Take Part?
Join us, challenge yourself, and help us continue supporting people facing and experiencing homelessness in our city. 👉Sign up HERE
