How to organise a MINI SLEEP-OUT to help the homeless people of Oxford

A club/school leader or designated adult must be present during all Mini Sleep-Outs

1. Where and when to do it

You can organise your Mini Sleep-Out anywhere local and safe that is central and easy to reach

Some good ideas are: school playing fields, club or community centre grounds, back gardens

Remember the location should be:

SafeOutside but it is important to have shelter available for emergenciesNear to toilets that can be open all nightNear to power points so that you can make hot drinks and soupNear a water supply

You can hold your Mini sleep-Out between October and February

2. Prepare

Get as many people to sponsor you as possible - try asking your parents, your relatives and their friends, as well as friends in clubs, schools, and religious communities

3. Action for change

Make people aware of the plight of homeless peopleLet the newspapers and local radio know what you are doing and whyInvite the media to come and seeyour Sleep-Out

4. Things to bring on the night

First Aid Kit (and someone familiar with it)Cardboard boxes to climb into (try your local supermarket and don't forget to tell them WHY you want them)Torches or other lightingThigs to keep you warm - sleeping bags, blankets, newspapers, waterproof materials...Big banner to advertise what you are doingIf hot drinks are not available on site, bring your own thermos and also any food you wantCamera to get some good pictures to send to local newspapers, councillors, and MPs

Don't forget to bring your club/school leader/designated adult - you need them for the next bit!

5. Afterwards

Your designated adult must sign your sponsorship form before you leave in the morningMake sure you take all your belongings with you and leave the site clean and tidyThen go to everyone on your list and ask them for the amount they have promised

6.Paying in your sponsorship money

Send money collected to the Oxford Sleep-Out, c/o Oxford Night Shelter, PO Box 177, Luther Street, Oxford OX1 1SF. The easiest way to do this is to get an adult to change cash for a cheque made out to the "Oxford Night Shelter Sleep-Out Account".