Lots of people attended the Big PNE Sleep Out information evening at The Foxton Centre this week.

So far around 200 people have registered for the Sleep Out, which takes place at Deepdale Stadium on Friday 15 November.

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Chief Executive of the Foxton, Jeff Marsh, opened the evening by explaining why being part of the Sleep Out and helping homelessness in the city matters so much.

He said: “Rough sleeping has gone up year on year. It’s really distressing – whatever town or city you come from you can see more people on the streets. It’s heartbreaking and scandalous at the same time.”

The event is backed by the Preston North End Community and Education Trust and Biffa.

Read more: How you can sleepout at Deepdale with Preston North End to help The Foxton Centre

Matthew Brown from PNE CET said: ““We’re incredibly proud to be part of this. We’re a community club with family values, and we want to use the power of the badge to increase awareness of homelessness in the city.”

Meanwhile Nick Rushton and Michael Treadwell from Biffa talked about the dangers of rough sleeping in bins, something their drivers encounter on a regular basis.

They’ve done sleep outs before, and Nick said: “At first it’s fun, then the lights go off and reality hits – it shows the risks rough sleepers are exposed to when they close their eyes.”

After hearing from each of the speakers, Blog Preston founder Ed Walker posed some frequently asked questions to the Foxton’s Chair of Trustees, John Parkinson. We’ve captured all the info below. If you have any further questions, you can email foxton50@thefoxtoncentre.co.uk.

To register your interest in taking part, visit the Big Preston North End Sleep Out page on the Foxton Centre website. Alternatively you can make a donation at The Big PNE Sleep Out appeal page.

What are the times for the Sleep Out?

Access to the Fulwood (Kop) end of Deepdale Stadium will be from 7pm. Everyone must be in the stadium by 9pm at the latest. ‘Lights out’ will be from midnight and we would ask people to remain quiet after this time.

The Sleep Out will conclude at 7am on the Saturday morning, and we would want everyone to have left by 8.30am.

Can I park my car at the stadium?

Yes, the Minerva car park on the Lowthorpe Road side is due to be used. PNE will confirm nearer the time.

Can I bring my bike?

Push bikes can be brought along and PNE will advise on where these can be stored either within the stadium or nearby.

What will happen when I arrive?

There will be a registration desk where you’ll need to check in and confirm you are on the list of participants. The organisers reserve the right to refuse to admit anyone or to ask you to leave the Sleep Out if your conduct or demeanour is likely to disrupt the event.

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There will be a welcome presentation by the organisers to greet participants. Organisers will be available to give advice on how to make the best of sleeping ‘rough’ on the indoor concrete concourse.

What do I need to bring with me?

Weather can be variable so check the forecast beforehand. However you’ll need warm clothes to arrive and depart in, plus clothes to sleep in. Bring a warm sleeping bag and Biffa will supply the cardboard to lie on.

Please don’t bring anything too valuable since you will be responsible for ensuring its safety. There won’t be charging facilities for electrical devices.

Will there be refreshments?

Heathcotes, the caterers at North End, will provide a hot drink on arrival and a hot sandwich at breakfast. There will be a small charge with all proceeds going to the Sleep Out. You may wish to bring a flask, bottle of water and snacks. Water will be available from the taps in the toilets.

Can I bring alcohol and/or recreational drugs?

No. The Sleep Out is designed to highlight the nature of rough sleeping and your sponsors are donating because you are sleeping rough. The event isn’t a party and we need to keep everyone safe.

Will there be any restrictions on grounds of disability?

No, although we would ask that you notify the organisers of your situation and needs.

Will there be a certificate to confirm attendance and participation?

Yes, this will be provided on the Saturday morning before you leave. This can be used to confirm to sponsors that you have successfully completed the Sleep Out.

Do I have to use the online Total Giving system to raise my £100 minimum sponsorship?

No, a paper collection form is available from the Foxton’s fundraising resources page.

What advice can you give about fundraising?

Ask your family, friends and workmates to sponsor you. Also, you can raise money through activities. For example, make cakes and sell them, organise a raffle with donated prizes, hold a sporting activity with a small charge for participating. See the Foxton website for lots of fundraising ideas.

Is there a deadline for registration or can someone just turn up on the night?

All participants must be registered before the registration deadline of 1 November.

Are there any age limits for participation?

The PNE safety officer has stipulated that all participants should be aged 18 or over.

When do I need to have completed my fundraising?

Some sponsors are happy to donate in advance, others will wait until after the event. All monies paid into the Total Giving site are recorded on your fundraising page and paid directly to our bank. Any money collected using the sponsor sheet must be brought to The Foxton Centre by 23 December, where you will be given a receipt. Any cheques should be made payable to The Foxton Centre 50 (PBSO).

Note: All details may be subject to change depending on final sign off from the PNE team at Deepdale. We will let you know any changes.

Are you taking part in the Big PNE Sleep Out? Let us know in the comments below.