15 schools take part in YMCA Bournemouth’s Schools Sleep Easy over the last year.
Over the last 12 months, 15 local schools have taken part in the YMCA Bournemouth’s Schools Sleep Easy, with 705 young people sleeping rough, so others don’t have to.
The charity’s School’s Sleep Easy event raises money to contribute towards YMCA Bournemouth’s work to support vulnerable people across Dorset.
The Schools Sleep Easy invites schools to encourage their pupils to take part in a night sleeping outside, with participants constructing their own shelters from cardboard boxes to protect themselves from the inclement weather. Alongside raising vital funds for charitable work, the event also aims to raise awareness and a greater understanding of the complexities of homelessness.
In 2024, the Bournemouth School for Girls pupils raised a whopping £10,500 for the charity.
Mr David Sims, the headteacher of Bournemouth School for Girls said of the experience:
“Once again, our 6th form students have epitomised our school ethos of being kind and being ambitious about what we can do to help others who are less fortunate than ourselves. That they were able to have so much fun whilst raising such a significant amount of money is an added bonus”
The Schools Sleep Easy has raised over £197,000 in the last 9 years to support homeless individuals in the local area and beyond.
Each School’s Sleep Easy is sponsored by a local business.
The cardboard shelters are recycled in partnership with SUEZ waste recycling and recovery services to ensure the event is as environmentally friendly as possible.
Statistics from early 2023 estimated that 1,095 individuals are considered homeless across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole conurbation.
Sheena Dayman, Events Manager of YMCA Bournemouth said: “What an absolute honour to be a part of this campaign each year and see first-hand the enthusiasm from all the pupils. The interest that they show when I first speak to them at their school assembly about homelessness and then their motivation to fundraise for YMCA Bournemouth, to help those that are less fortunate than themselves, humbles me year after year.”
For local schools, the Schools Sleep Easy offers the perfect opportunity for team building and the chance to demonstrate a schools community spirit and engagement.
To find out more or if you wish your school to take part in the Schools Sleep Easy campaign, please contact Sheena Dayman at 07824333505 or via email at sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.
Statistics from Shelter, January 2023 are available here