This year, Focus Ireland is inviting schools across Ireland to take part in inspiring campaigns that empower students to make real change. Rock Against Homelessness and Shine A Light being two empowering and impactful events. Done your way.
In Ireland, today, over 5,000 children live in temporary accommodation.
This is unacceptable. It is wrong. Enough is enough.
Rock Against Homelessness
Host a Rock Against Homelessness event or busk in your school yard, community centre, local town, or any venue you choose. Every note played helps Focus Ireland support children and families who urgently need a safe home.
Ways to get involved:
• Put on a school concert or lunchtime gig
• Host a battle of the bands
• Organise a music marathon or DJ takeover
• Invite local musicians or former pupils to perform
Shine A Light – Sleep Out Against Homelessness
This October. students and teachers will come together for a meaningful, reflective event sleeping out in a safe, supervised environment such as your school hall or gym. This experience helps young people build empathy and raises crucial funds to support families trapped in emergency accommodation.
To avoid disappointment, we encourage you to register in May so your beanie can you reach you in plenty of time, once your fundraising goal has been achieved.
Re turn Bottle & Can Recycling Fundraiser
Supporting Focus Ireland through Ireland’s Deposit Return Scheme. Help your school support Focus Ireland and protect the environment by taking part in Ireland’s national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), operated by Re turn. Every eligible plastic bottle or aluminium can your school collects returns 15c–25c straight back to you, all of which can be donated to Focus Ireland.
Why Your School’s Support Matters
Last year, schools like yours helped Focus Ireland support over 5,000 children across our services. Today, with homelessness reaching record-breaking levels month after month, your involvement is more important than ever.
Organising a fundraiser is easier than you think, it gives the student immense pride and a strong sense of social justice. We will support you every step of the way with guidance, resources, and school talks (in-person or via Zoom).
Every voice, every song, every act of kindness makes a difference.
Teachers, Inspire Your Students to Be Changemakers
Show our No Child Without A Home video in your classroom. Homelessness affects thousands of children their own age. By organising a Shine A Light Sleep Out Against Homelessness, Rock Against Homelessness, organising Return Bottles students learn empathy, leadership, and the real impact of community action. These events give young people a voice and a chance to stand up for a fairer Ireland.
Barbara Capper and her daughter Heidi O Donohoue. Heidi took part in her own school in Loretto Stephens Green.
“Our school’s participation in the Focus Ireland Shine a Light Campaign was a real highlight for our TYS. The students found the night challenging, cold but a unique experience all the same.It impacted them greatly that their one night in the cold was just for one night but for others it is never-ending.
They wanted to feel that they were doing something to help these people. Their School Sleepout gave them a sense of achievement and invoked empathy for the hardship of others.
We were most grateful to all the family members and friends who supported this Campaign”
Barbara Capper, St Louis High School, Rathmines, Dublin 6