Luton stands together: community sleepout raises vital funds for local charities

Nearly 100 people took part in the overnight event, coming together to raise thousands of pounds for local charities Impakt Housing & Support, NOAH Enterprise and Stepping Stones Luton. Representatives from all three organisations joined participants on the night, helping to highlight the growing issue of homelessness and housing insecurity, which has reached record levels at the start of 2026.

Participants took part in a meaningful challenge, building their own shelters for the night. Under 18s camped within Central Square at Luton Point, while adult participants braved the elements on the top deck of the centre’s car park, in freezing temperatures, creating a shared experience that reflected, in a small way, the realities faced by those without a safe place to stay.

The evening also featured a range of engaging and educational activities designed to deepen understanding of homelessness. Informative talks from the three charities explored the different forms homelessness can take, from sofa surfing and living without a fixed address to families in temporary accommodation and individuals fleeing unsafe homes.

Interactive elements included run-around quizzes focused on homelessness awareness and the work being delivered across Luton, as well as a shelter-building competition, with prizes awarded to the most creative and practical designs. Younger participants and families also took part in a creative collage workshop delivered by Lemonpop Workshops, contributing to a giant collage highlighting The Luton Sleepout event, alongside elements from the campaign celebrating Luton’s 150th year as a Borough.

Entertainment on the night added to the strong community atmosphere, with live music from saxophonist Tony Daniels and singer-guitarist Ryan Prazer. Participants were also provided with a warm meal of curry and rice followed by dessert, generously supplied free of charge by Community Interest Luton. And hot drinks and snacks, kindly supported by the Tesco Express at Luton Point.

The event brought the community together in a show of solidarity, compassion and determination to make a difference, with a special thanks to Luton Rising for sponsoring the event.

So far, over £8,000 has been raised, with all proceeds going directly to support the three charities and their ongoing work tackling homelessness in Luton. However, organisers are encouraging continued support from the public to help grow this total even further.

Lavinia Douglass, Marketing Manager at Luton Point, commented: “The Luton Sleepout was an incredibly moving and inspiring event. It was amazing to see our local community come together for such an important cause, alongside the fantastic charities working tirelessly to support those experiencing homelessness. While one night cannot replicate the realities many people face every day, it was a powerful reminder of why this support is so vital.”

Charlie Lockley, CEO of Stepping Stones, said: “It was a privilege to be involved in this event and to spend time with all the other supporters. Sleeping outside was cold and uncomfortable, but for us, it was only for one night. For the people we support, there is always another night. Fear, loneliness, discomfort, uncertainty. The money you donate helps prevent that and provides hope. Thank you for supporting the Luton Sleepout.”

Sam Quinton, Head of Brand, Marketing and Communications at IMPAKT Housing & Support, said: "The Luton Sleepout has been something we've wanted to make happen for a long time, and to see it come to life so successfully on its first outing is incredibly exciting. Sleeping on cardboard in the cold is uncomfortable, but it's nothing compared to what so many people in Luton face every night. It was a real privilege to work alongside NOAH Enterprise and Stepping Stones, and we're grateful to Luton Point for making the event possible. We're already thinking about how we can make next year even bigger and better. Thank you to everyone who took part and donated.”

Jo Anderson, CEO of NOAH Enterprise, commented: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who attended and supported the Luton Sleepout. It was a hugely successful evening and a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together for an important cause. Thank you to everyone who helped raise vital funds, to the musicians and artists who brought so much to the night, and to those who donated food and supported the event in so many ways. We are proud to have worked alongside IMPAKT Housing & Support, Stepping Stones and Luton Point and we look forward to building on this success together at the next event.”

Lavinia continued: “We are so proud to have hosted this event at Luton Point and to have raised over £8,000 so far. We would love the community’s continued support to help us raise even more, with every donation making a real difference to people in need across Luton.”

Donations remain open via the event’s JustGiving page, and the community is encouraged to contribute where possible to support those facing homelessness and housing insecurity. For more information or to donate, please visit the JustGiving page.

You can stay up to date with Luton Point via their website.