YMCA Bournemouth is hoping local people will volunteer to sleep rough for a night to highlight the problem of homelessness and to raise funds.

Its ‘Sleep Easy’ fundraising events have raised £211,000 since launching in 2016.

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 15 October 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 said: “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.

Last year, YMCA Bournemouth housed and supported more than 170 individuals and provided more than 53,000 meals for vulnerable adults. The Office for National Statistics recently reported that more than 350 households in Dorset are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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/.