On Saturday 16th October 2021, YMCA Bournemouth will be hosting their annual Big Sleep Easy event. Bedding down for the night at a Bournemouth outdoor venue (tbc), they’ll be raising awareness and funds to support local homeless people. Registration is now open and they’re inviting businesses and groups to join them.
This is their fourth Big Sleep Easy event, but the most important yet. Sheena Dayman, Events Manager YMCAB explains, ‘The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for everyone, but for those we support, the effects have been devastating. Demand for our services has increased exponentially. This year alone we have accommodated 174 vulnerable individuals and that number is growing. In order to ensure our young people and communities continue to receive the support they desperately need; we need to secure more funding.’
‘When the pandemic first hit in March 2020, we had to quickly adapt to meet the ever-increasing and changing needs of those in our community. Now we are asking for the help of local businesses and groups to join us for one night to enable us to continue providing these essential services.’
Could you sleep rough for a night to help change someone else’s life?
Confirmed sponsors so far this year include Lester Aldridge, Thermo Packs, BIZ Space, Store and Secure and Castlepoint Shopping Centre, with the prize for the most funds raised is dinner bed and breakfast at the Beach House Restaurant.
Registration is now open, and YMCA is looking forward to welcoming over 140 participants to come together to spend a night sleeping rough in cardboard shelters that they have made earlier that evening.
Forerunner Meals are providing soup in the evening and breakfast will be bacon butties cooked by Winton Salvation Army. The experience is life changing on every level, and something that will be remembered for many years to come.
The Big Sleep Easy raises thousands of pounds each year, with every penny offering hope to local people who are affected by homelessness, as well as creating an opportunity to create an understanding of what it is really like to sleep rough.
‘Those of us fortunate enough to have a home can only imagine the stress and hardship that comes with being homeless. This is a worthy cause indeed and we are grateful to YMCAB for making this happen.’ Big Sleep Easy participant, 2020.
Every penny will offer hope to Dorset people who are affected by homelessness., by:
- Providing a safe home for a vulnerable homeless person
- Giving them warm meals and hot showers
- Supporting them to make positive choices, overcome negative patterns and transform their lives.
For more information or to sign up, get in touch with sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk or telephone her on 07824 333505.
YMCA Bournemouth is an independent Bournemouth-based charity striving to enable every one of every age to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. No other organisation locally has such a wide remit working in key areas of community need.
We offer 75 pre-school places specialising in SEN, children’s centres, contact centres, youth clubs, holiday clubs, chaplaincy support, a youth project for disabled children and young adults, free B.A.C.P accredited counselling and supported housing for young adults.