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A charity which provides a lifeline for hundreds of young homeless people in Blackpool each year is urging people to sign up for its annual Big SleepOut.

The fundraiser, now in its seventh year, brings in vital revenue for Streetlife which offers support and shelter for 16 to 25-year-olds with nowhere else to go.

Registration has now opened for the Big SleepOut 2023 which will take place on Friday March 31 in St John’s Square, with participants sleeping out under the stars from 8pm until 6am (or for as long as they can manage).

Jane Hugo, Streetlife’s chief executive, said: “The Big SleepOut is a fantastic showcase of the generosity and commitment of the people of Blackpool and surrounding areas.

“If you are interested in taking part, please register as soon as possible, as numbers are limited. The event itself is made even better by the wonderful people that take part.”

Each year an average of 300 vulnerable young people access Streetlife’s services and 150 of those use the night shelter in Blackpool.

Registration for the event costs £10 and participants will receive a wrist band, souvenir and survival pack, but will need to bring their own sleeping bag. Groups are welcome to attend together as long as they register.

In previous years, the event has seen more than 150 people take to the street for a night and in 2021 raised more than £15,000 to keep the charity going.

Money raised will be used to provide emergency safe accommodation to homeless young people in the night shelter at St Johns Walk in Blackpool town centre.

Jane, who is also a Blackpool councillor, added: “I would like to thank the incredible participants of previous years for their dedication to help support Streetlife.

“Thanks to you, we have been able to keep our doors open to support young people for over 30 years and for that, we are incredibly grateful.”

To help make the event possible, The Big SleepOut is sponsored by Beaverbrooks The Jewellers.

Chief Executive Anna Blackburn said: “Beaverbrooks is proud to be sponsoring The Big SleepOut for another year.

“The event is a great way to raise local awareness about homelessness, while generating funds that will make a huge difference to hundreds of young people’s lives.”

Blackpool Big SleepOut to help young homeless