The countdown is on to this year’s Molineux Sleepout, with less than three weeks to go until supporters come together to raise vital funds for Wolves Foundation and the Good Shepherd.
Returning on Friday 13th November, the annual event will see participants spend the night braving the elements in the Stan Cullis Stand at Molineux Stadium, in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness and other vulnerabilities across Wolverhampton.
Money raised from the Sleepout helps both charities continue providing vital support to people across the city, including people like Joe, who was a regular attendee at the Good Shepherd’s street homeless project known as the Breakfast Club.
Joe experienced homelessness for around six months and would regularly visit the Good Shepherd for food and other essentials.
He said: “I used to sleep in doorways and not tell anyone where I was sleeping. They were long days out there.
“I’d come here (Good Shepherd) Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You could eat, change clothes and get a shower.
“There is some light at the end of the tunnel, if you keep going.”
The Sleepout also supports Wolves Foundation programmes such as Head 4 Health, which supports people like Barbara.
For several years, Barbara has attended the women’s Check in & Chat group which is open to former Head 4 Health participants, with her husband Dougie attending the men’s group.
Sadly, Dougie passed away earlier this year, and so for Barbara, the friendships made and the weekly conversations at the Foundation project became even more important.
“Our worlds were turned upside down when Dougie was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and it was difficult to cope,” she says.
“Wolves Foundation really did help so much – they held my hand when he was dreadfully ill, and even afterwards, when you don’t really know what help you need, they checked in on me.
“I decided to do the Molineux Sleepout in memory of Dougie and also because it is such a really good cause – I am looking forward to it.”
Since it began, the Molineux Sleepout has raised more than £300,000, helping the Wolves Foundation and Good Shepherd deliver essential services and support people facing some of the most challenging circumstances.
Chef and influencer Mitch Lane, who is an ambassador for both charities, will once again be supporting the event and joining participants at Molineux.
Mitch said: “The Molineux Sleepout is always a really special event in my calendar.
“Spending one night in the cold is a small thing for us to do, but the money raised can make a massive difference to the people who need support across the city.
“As a proud ambassador for both the Wolves Foundation and Good Shepherd, I’d encourage anyone who’s thinking about it to sign up, take part and come and join us.”
With less than three weeks to go, organisers are encouraging people across Wolverhampton and beyond to sign up, get sponsored and spend one night at Molineux to help make a difference.
Adult places are currently available for £25, with prices increasing from Friday, October 30, so participants are encouraged to sign up now to secure the discounted rate. Junior places are £10, with participants asked to aim for a fundraising target of £100.
To book your place visit https://register.enthuse.com/ps/event/MolineuxSleepout2026
