Boycott Your Bed is a bold annual event that challenges people across the UK to give up the comfort of their bed for one night – and sleep out in solidarity with children facing crisis. Run by Action for Children, the campaign raises vital funds to support young people living in poverty, without safe homes, or struggling with mental health and neglect.

What is Boycott Your Bed?

Boycott Your Bed brings together teams from businesses, schools, families, and local communities for a shared experience of discomfort with a powerful purpose. Participants swap their bed for a sleeping bag, mat, or even a makeshift floor-bed to raise awareness and money for children who don’t have a safe place to sleep. It’s not just about one night outdoors – it’s about standing with children who face challenges no child should have to face. The event includes live entertainment, team-building activities, and moments to reflect on the impact of your support.

When is Boycott Your Bed?

Boycott Your Bed 2026 takes place on the night of Friday, October 3. Sleepouts happen simultaneously across the UK in cities like London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Glasgow, with many workplaces and households also hosting their own versions. Whether outside in a sleeping bag or staying up indoors on a hard floor, the action unites participants across the country for one important night.

Why Boycott Your Bed Matters

Right now, millions of children in the UK are living in poverty. Some don’t have access to warm clothing, regular meals, or a bed of their own. For these children, home isn’t always a place of safety or rest. Boycott Your Bed puts the spotlight on these realities and helps raise the funds needed to provide emergency support, mental health care, food, clothes, and safe places to sleep. By stepping into discomfort for one night, participants show compassion – and raise the alarm on an issue that too often goes unseen.

How to Get Involved in Boycott Your Bed

You don’t have to be part of a big company to take part. Anyone can join and make a difference. Here’s how:

• Register a team or take part solo: Sign up on the official Boycott Your Bed website.
• Choose your format: Sleep outside, stay up all night, or roll out a sleeping bag in your living room or office.
• Fundraise: Share your campaign with friends, family, or colleagues and raise as much as you can to support Action for Children’s services.
• Make it an event: Invite others to join you, run games or quizzes, and reflect together on the cause.
• Share your night: Use photos, stories, or short videos to inspire others and raise awareness online.

History of Boycott Your Bed

The roots of this campaign go back to 1998, when a small group of professionals slept outside to raise funds for youth homelessness under the name Byte Night. The movement grew steadily, raising millions over the years. In 2020, Action for Children evolved the campaign into Boycott Your Bed, making it more inclusive and accessible while still focusing on the same urgent issue: helping children who face hardship, fear, and instability every day.

Noteworthy Facts About Boycott Your Bed

• The event has raised over £14 million since it began, supporting vital services across the UK.
• More than 4 million children in the UK live in poverty – that’s nearly one in three.
• Every year, teams from top companies, local schools, and community groups take part.
• Participants have slept out in car parks, gardens, living rooms, school halls, and even train stations.
• Funds raised help provide food parcels, emergency accommodation, and one-to-one mental health support for children.

Hashtags

#BoycottYourBed, #BoycottYourBed2026, #SleepOutForChildren

Links

• Visit the official Boycott Your Bed site
• Start or support a fundraising campaign