Call for volunteer rough sleepers in Mansfield as 11th annual Big Snore heads to new footballing home

Homelessness charity Framework will be holding its 11th annual Big Snore on the night of Friday, 30th January, when the event sponsored by Western Power Distribution, will move from its traditional home at St Mark’s Church in Nottingham Road to Mansfield Town’s One Call Stadium.

Participants in the events will be challenged to raise money by sleeping in the open air with only a flimsy cardboard box, warm clothing and a sleeping bag for shelter.

All proceeds will again go towards Framework’s Mansfield Appeal, which helps former rough sleepers to develop independent, happy and prosperous lives in the community.

Framework’s Natalie Goodrich-Johnson, Fundraising and Events Officer, “The Mansfield Big Snore is a terrific community event that showcases the very best of the town. We are hugely indebted to all at St Mark’s Church – in particular former organiser Pam Bishop – for developing this annual gathering into a genuine and exciting community event and would like to place on record our deep gratitude for all they have done to support homeless people it the community.

“I am delighted that Mansfield Town – an institution with the community at its very heart – has offered to host this event. We are thankful to the club’s owners for allowing us the use of the venue and we are excited about the potential of the event moving forward.”

All proceeds will again go towards Framework’s Mansfield Appeal, which helps former rough sleepers to develop independent, happy and prosperous lives in the community.

Framework’s Natalie Goodrich-Johnson, Fundraising and Events Officer, “The Mansfield Big Snore is a terrific community event that showcases the very best of the town. We are hugely indebted to all at St Mark’s Church – in particular former organiser Pam Bishop – for developing this annual gathering into a genuine and exciting community event and would like to place on record our deep gratitude for all they have done to support homeless people it the community.

“I am delighted that Mansfield Town – an institution with the community at its very heart – has offered to host this event. We are thankful to the club’s owners for allowing us the use of the venue and we are excited about the potential of the event moving forward.”

Mansfield Town Chairman John Radford said: “As a community club we are as concerned about homelessness as anyone else in the town and we have been delighted to support Framework in a number of activities over the last couple of years. When we heard that the Mansfield Big Snore was in search of a new venue we jumped at the chance to get involved. We look forward to welcoming people on the night.”

Western Power Distribution’s Mansfield Team Manager Graham Paling said: “We are once again delighted to be sponsoring the Big Snore for the third year running. This is such a well supported event and it’s testament to its success that is now Moving to bigger premises. This allows more people to take part and raise awareness and funds for the Mansfield Appeal.”

The Mansfield Big Snore raises money for a very serious cause, but it can never replicate the true fear and anxiety of sleeping rough for real. Consequently organsiers have developed over the years a series of fun initiatives to help the time tick by and to keep the cold at bay. With this in mind participants will again be encouraged to take part in the Box Factor competition – a game of architectural one-upmanship with prizes awarded for the most elaborate design of cardboard shelter.

The event is free and open to all, but please note that under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. (1 responsible adult to every 4 under 18’s).

Registration for the Mansfield Big Snore opens on Monday December 1st at 10am from www.frameworkha.org/bigsnore.