The Railway Children Big Station Sleepout is back for 2025
On Thursday 27 February, hundreds of people will sector swap their warm beds for the cold floor of railway stations across the country, to raise money for Railway Children.
This annual event has raised over £750,000 in the last five years, and has supported the outstanding effort of the Railway Children charity, as it continues to raise awareness and funds for children who run away from home and face hardship, with no shelter, or safe space.
Several stations from across the UK have confirmed that they are hosting events this year, including:
- Glasgow Central
- Manchester Piccadilly
- Birmingham New Street
- Derby
- Leeds
- London Liverpool Street
- London St Pancras
- London Bridge
- Swansea
- Preston (tbc)
The Big Station Sleepout won't replicate the situations faced by thousands of children across the UK, Indian and Tanzania, but it will raise awareness of the issues and difficulties they face.
Railway Children said: “This year’s sleepout has grown again, to see us covering more stations than ever before across the UK.
“This event brings together friends, colleagues and industry professionals from across the sector to share in supporting some of the most vulnerable children across the world. The impact made on the work we do, thanks to the fundraising and support from this event, will be felt by children for years to come, and the support from VolkerRail in sponsoring the sleepout ensures that each year we are able to help more and more children.”
Andrew Wilkins, finance director at VolkerRail, said: “Railway Children does valuable work to help the lives of countless vulnerable young people, and VolkerRail is proud to continue its support for this event.
“Each year I join others taking part, and each year, those new to the event agree that it is an awakening of understanding of what the young people the charity support must feel like.. The next morning, we all get the chance to go home, get warm and enjoy our beds that evening, but so many will continue to spend nights alone, cold, hungry and scared.
“The Big Station Sleepout reminds us how fortunate we are, and even though last year’s event saw over 450 people take part, through our continued sponsorship, I hope to see this number increase again, so that we can support more children and help them find comfort and safety.”
If you’d like to take part, all you need to do is select a venue, and register via this link: https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/Sleepout2025.
Participants will need to be prepared for a cold, uncomfortable night. However, the event is indoors, you can bring matting, a sleeping bag, and pillow. There will also be options for warm food and drink, and the companionship of your friends and colleagues.
