Hundreds of Prestonians to sleep on cardboard at Deepdale as Big PNE Sleep Out returns
Hundreds of Prestonians will sleep at Deepdale Stadium this week to help prevent homelessness in the city.
Nearly £150,000 has been raised across two previous Big PNE Sleep Out efforts in 2019 and 2023, with the event - a collaboration by Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET), Foxton, Blog Preston and Veolia - returning for 2026 on Friday (March 27).
Those taking part in the challenge at the home of Preston North End will be provided with a sheet of cardboard to bed down on for the night, showing solidarity with those facing homelessness.
With a fundraising aim of £100,000, the money will be donated to Foxton and Preston North End Community and Education Trust (PNECET) initiatives that work with women and girls across the city of Preston.
Chief Executive of PNECET, Harriet Creighton-Levis said: "As long-standing supporters of Foxton, we have always recognised the role they play in reaching those most in need. In 2019, we were proud to raise the funds that enabled Foxton to purchase a house, a lasting contribution to their mission of providing safety and support.
“This year, we are building on that foundation by working in partnership to strengthen our impact, with a particular focus on supporting women and girls facing homelessness in our city.
“The rise in hidden homelessness, particularly among vulnerable women and girls, is a concerning trend that cannot be ignored. In Preston, we’ve seen first-hand how women are facing housing insecurity often out of sight, in temporary, unstable, or unsafe conditions.
“This issue is linked to the wider Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) agenda, as housing instability frequently intersects with experiences of abuse, exploitation, and trauma.
“Through our work within the Preston community and expertise in youth work, we are committed to addressing the root causes of hidden homelessness. By building trust, providing safe spaces, delivering impactful initiatives, and amplifying the voices of women and girls, we aim not only to prevent homelessness but to challenge the systemic inequalities that allow it to persist.
“The increase in females accessing Foxton’s accommodation highlights the urgency of this issue and reinforces our determination to work collaboratively across sectors to create long-term solutions.
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home."
One woman, who has been helped by the Foxton, said being on the streets is “soul destroying and scary" but the Foxton had offered her hope.
While another, known as PG, said of the help and support she receives: "It does not matter what happens I always know I have a place I can come to and you will have my back. You have been there from the beginning of everything, some of my worst times."
The Foxton say every £83 raised will support a rough sleeper in crisis, every £416 provides drop-in services at the Foxton's women's centre and £600 can support women with a trained sexual violence advocate.
The cardboard for the Sleep Out which participants bed down on will be provided and subsequently recycled by Veolia who are backing the event.
Donations can be made here.