Northampton businesses are being invited to take part in Hope’s Big SleepOut 2026, a large-scale corporate fundraising event designed to raise awareness of homelessness while supporting frontline services across the town.
Organised by Hope Centre, the overnight challenge will take place on Friday 6 March 2026 at Sixfields Stadium, bringing together teams from across Northampton’s business community. Participants will spend 12 hours outdoors using only a sleeping bag and basic shelter, offering a small insight into the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness locally.
The Hope’s Big SleepOut has been running for more than 13 years and has become a key fixture in Northampton’s corporate social responsibility calendar. Each year, the event raises more than £20,000, directly funding Hope Centre’s work supporting people out of crisis and towards long-term stability, independence, and employment.
The 2026 event will run under the theme Cold and Unseen, highlighting how homelessness often remains hidden within local communities. Importantly, the campaign also focuses on the role local employers can play in addressing the issue through leadership, advocacy, and practical support.
For businesses, the SleepOut offers more than fundraising alone. It provides a shared challenge that strengthens team relationships, encourages open discussion around inequality and wellbeing, and aligns closely with ESG and CSR commitments. As a result, many organisations return year after year, often expanding the number of employees involved.
Jo Pritchard, Chief Executive at Hope Centre, said local employers have a vital role to play. She explained that the event gives organisations a practical way to demonstrate leadership, unite teams around a shared purpose, and offer visible support to people experiencing homelessness in Northampton.
Businesses can get involved in several ways. Companies may enter teams into the main SleepOut at Sixfields Stadium, sponsor individual places, or host their own SleepOut at their premises. In addition, Hope Centre provides full planning and fundraising support to ensure organisations of all sizes can take part.
Hope Centre works year-round to support people experiencing homelessness and severe disadvantage across Northampton. By partnering with local employers, the charity continues to build sustainable solutions that respond directly to local need.
Organisers are now encouraging businesses to register early and begin engaging staff ahead of March 2026.
To discuss participation or corporate involvement, businesses are invited to contact Chris Potter, Senior Community & Corporate Engagement Coordinator at Hope Centre.
