Although it has become a regular annual event, the Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out, which takes place again this coming weekend, has new impetus coming as it does in the wake of the highly successful Wrap Up Warm campaign in the lead-up to Christmas.
For both events, the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust works in cooperation with Chelsea Football Club to assist charities supporting homeless and vulnerable people. The winter Wrap Up Warm campaign raised more than £90,000 and collected over 3,600 items of warm clothing.
Now, this coming Saturday, a sizeable group of participants will bed down for the night on the outside concourse area of the East Stand to raise money for Barons Court Project and also for Stoll, which supports vulnerable and disabled veterans in leading fulfilling, independent lives.
There are a few remaining places available for any Blues fans who would like to try the unique experience of the Big Sleep Out and contribute to the fundraising*.
As well as raising money directly via those who will be at the Bridge on Saturday night, the Big Sleep Out is also a focal point for Chelsea’s wider fanbase to donate to these important causes.
To understand more about the Big Sleep Out, we spoke to the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust chair Mark Meehan.
‘We've been doing the Sleep Out now for six years and we are always thinking of other ways we can do something positive in the community,’ he says, ‘so we were particularly pleased about Wrap Up Warm and how well it was supported by the Chelsea Foundation. The amount raised was beyond our wildest dreams and the amount of clothes donated was amazing. The video featuring Cole Palmer was excellent and was the most engaged Christmas ad on YouTube. That's just incredible!
‘This year’s Sleep Out is almost like the next part of the partnership and it is part of the calendar now. It is always around this time in March when there is an international break. We have people that will have done all six Sleep Outs so it's really great to have their support but we'll also have some people doing it for the first time.’
Mark explains that there is more to the night than just bedding down in the East Stand. Participants will have the opportunity to go on a stadium tour and visit the museum at the start of the evening, and they will hear from Stoll and Barons Court Project about their charity work.
Thanks to the support of Chelsea FC and Chelsea Foundation, those taking part in the Sleep Out will also have the opportunity to win a signed men's first team shirt, a signed football and a place in a hospitality box for the home game against Legia Warsaw.
‘You can never replicate what it's like to sleep on the street,’ he adds. ‘That's not the point of the Sleep Out. It's very much about education and it's very much about awareness. I understand sometimes people are challenged when they see a homeless person and they don't know what to do. Hopefully, just by being involved with the Sleep Out and hearing about organisations and the work that they do, they'll get more involved and think about how they actually can help a homeless person next time they see them.
‘Also there’s the work Stoll do with veterans. They do an amazing job looking after people who have served their country.
‘If you've never done the Sleep Out before and you're reading about it for the first time, if you aren't able to do it this year then come along next year. It is an unusual but a great evening. Gary Chivers, the former player, is coming along on Saturday.’
The Sleep Out organisers have set a target of raising more than the £25,000 collected last year. All donations from Chelsea fans, however small, are welcome.
At Barons Court project, even a £5 donation can pay for a meal and a hot shower. Larger donations can help homeless people towards training and employment.
£15 can buy the ingredients for nutritious meals
£25 can pay for literacy classes to help people find work
£50 can buy expert help for from an IT professional
At Stoll:
£10 can provide an hour of essential one-to-one support for a vulnerable veteran
£50 can fund activity to boost the mental and physical health of a group of veterans, for example, tai chi, gardening, archery or keep fit
£100 can buy a recycled laptop or tablet and IT skills training for a veteran which will help to increase their independence
*To take part in the Big Sleep Out 2025, all you need to be is 18 years of age or over and willing to pledge to raise at least £50 in sponsorship. For more details, including on fundraising, visit the Big Stamford Bridge Sleep Out page on the Supporters’ Trust website.