Last year, Sandland Packaging provided the essential cardboard boxes for the 35th St Basils Big Sleepout – the annual fundraising event that encourages participants to sleep rough for one night, to help young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in the area.

An incredible fundraising effort

The 35th St Basils Big Sleepout raised just under £60,000 – a fantastic result. The fundraising specifically helps to cover the shortfall in funding they face, which in simple terms is around £16 per night per young person. The funding helps them ensure they have covered 3,750 nights for young people living with them. Sandland Packaging’s contribution has helped ensure more of the funds raised can go directly towards supporting those young people in their care.

A lasting impact

Some members of the Sandland Packaging team took part in the sleepout – well done to Mark Amyes, Andy Batha and Kieron Stoker. The team reflected on how the night shifted their perspective, deepening their understanding of homelessness and the resilience of those affected by it.

Looking ahead to supporting St Basils 36th Big Sleepout!

Building on that momentum, we are proud to announce Sandland Packaging will be supporting the St Basils Big Sleepout again this year. We are proud to help our local community.

Andy Batha, Sales Director, confirmed, “Taking part in the St Basils Big Sleepout was a powerful reminder of how something as simple as a safe place to sleep can never be taken for granted. Sandland Packaging values being able to contribute to a cause that has a real, lasting impact on young people’s lives. Supporting this initiative isn’t just about one night – it’s about standing alongside those facing homelessness and helping create opportunities for a brighter, more secure future.”

How you can support

As we prepare for this year’s event, we invite everyone to get involved. Whether by joining the event, making a donation, or simply spreading the word, your support can make a tangible difference. Homelessness is a complex issue, but together, small actions can lead to meaningful change.

What is The Big Sleepout?

The Big Sleepout is the flagship fundraising event for St Basils, aimed at raising awareness and funds to help combat youth homelessness. Participants spend one night sleeping out in Birmingham city centre, to experience a fraction of what life on the streets is like – and more importantly, to show solidarity with those who are forced to do so. Registration is free, but participants commit to raising donations to support St Basils’ services, which includes providing safe accommodation, life skills training, and ongoing support for young people aged roughly 16–25.

Providing the Boxes

The cardboard boxes we provide serve as part of the basic shelter for participants helping them create makeshift shelters overnight. While the challenge is symbolic — no one expects perfect comfort – the use of the boxes underscores the reality that many young people live without proper shelter.

This kind of support is more than logistic: it reduces event costs for the charity, ensures participants have what they need to take part safely, and allows more of the funds raised to go directly toward supporting young people. By contributing material essentials, Sandland Packaging helps ensure the event runs smoothly, and that the focus remains squarely on the cause: raising vital funds and awareness for youth homelessness.

Supporting The Big Sleepout aligns with our broader commitment to community and sustainability. This kind of partnership highlights how local businesses can play a meaningful role in helping meet urgent social challenges in their own communities.

Looking Forward

For this year’s Big Sleepout, Sandland Packaging’s support will ensure that one of the event’s basic, but crucial, needs – cardboard shelters – is covered. This means St Basils can channel more resources into support services. For participants, knowing that the event is backed by local companies helps build trust, visibility and impact.

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