YMCA Bournemouth has announced its ‘Sleep Easy’ fundraising events, which encourage members of the public to adopt a homeless lifestyle for one night, have raised £211,000 since launching in 2016.

The events see schools, groups and businesses set themselves a fundraising target, build a cardboard shelter and sleep rough for one night. Between September 2021 and March 2022 alone, 13 local schools – including Bournemouth School for Girls and The Bishop of Winchester Academy – collectively raised £56,000 through multiple events.

YMCA Bournemouth also hosts a ‘Big Sleep Easy’ event every year, with its next scheduled for 15th October 2022 to inspire simultaneous efforts. Over the past three years, the ‘Big Sleep Easy’ has seen donations total £79,000. All funds raised are used by YMCA Bournemouth to help those in need achieve independent living and secure a safe and positive long-term future.

Sheena Dayman, Events Manager at YMCA Bournemouth commented: “By supporting us and taking part in these events, our communities are helping us to keep local people safe from homelessness in the long-term.

“Not only do the ‘Sleep Easy’ events raise vital funds, but they also promote team building, informal networking and demonstrate a genuine commitment to the local community. The events have been so successful and valued that we’ve had people repeatedly sign up, year after year. I encourage everyone – whether an individual or an organisation – to take part in an event this year and help us change lives in Dorset for the better.”

Main events sponsor, Lester Aldridge Solicitors has raised more than £15,000 over the last four years, through multiple group events and individual staff sleeping rough to contribute their support to the cause.

Mark Benham, Partner at Lester Aldridge, added: “We are extremely proud to support such a crucial charity. It is hugely important that all of us are socially responsible and contribute to the needs of our communities. Lester Aldridge supports YMCA Bournemouth, a fantastic charity that transforms communities, providing local services that give children, young people and vulnerable individuals hope for a better future.” 

Last year, YMCA Bournemouth housed and supported more than 170 individuals and provided more than 53,000 meals for vulnerable adults. The charity’s services have proven a lifeline for many in the county, with the Office for National Statistics recently reporting that more than 350 households in Dorset are homeless or at risk of homelessness.*

YMCA Bournemouth is encouraging local communities to “Sleep rough to support those who are finding it tough!” To sign up to ‘Sleep Easy’ events and receive an information pack, or to become a sponsor, visit https://www.ymcabournemouth.org.uk/housing/sleep-easys-2022/.