The YMCA Big Sleep Easy 2025

On Saturday 18th October 2025, over 130 incredible participants took part in YMCA Bournemouth’s BIG Sleep Easy — an annual fundraiser where individuals, teams, and organisations spend a night sleeping rough so that others don’t have to.

This year’s event was held in the grounds of Diverse Abilities, where participants constructed makeshift shelters from cardboard boxes and tarpaulins, braving the elements to raise awareness and vital funds for those facing homelessness. The shelters came in all shapes and sizes — some people joined forces to build one large structure, while others opted for simple constructions made from just a few boxes.

As darkness fell, participants gathered around the open fire to talk, reflect and share experiences. Some sat quietly by their shelters in contemplation of the thousands of people across the UK who sleep rough every night. As the temperature dropped to single figures and light drizzle set in, the purpose of the evening — and the reality it represents — truly hit home.

At daybreak, the makeshift shelters were dismantled and recycled — a symbolic reminder of how those experiencing homelessness must pack away their temporary shelters daily, to avoid them being removed from public spaces.

Thanks to the compassion and generosity of everyone involved, over 1,000 donors have supported this year’s Sleep Easy, helping to fund YMCA Bournemouth’s ongoing mission: to enable people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.

The money raised will directly support YMCA Bournemouth’s 114 units of short-term accommodation, providing not only a safe place for people to stay, but also the personal support and guidance that helps residents rebuild their lives and move forward with confidence.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part, donated and helped make this event such a powerful statement of solidarity and hope.

All photos from the night are available below — please feel free to download and share them on your social media platforms, to continue raising awareness.

We would like to thank Paul Collins for the amazing images from the evening.
Paul very kindly donated his time for our Sleep Easy 2025.

We would like to thank our partners for this year’s event, Dorset’s disability charity, Diverse Abilities. Funds raised by them will contribute to an Information Hub for people with disabilities who are at risk of homelessness.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in the YMCA Big Sleep Easy 2024.
Together, we raised an incredible £13,477 to support our homeless community!

A number of schools, colleges, other organisations & individuals have held “Sleep Easy” fundraising events on our behalf at their own premises. All participants raise funds via JustGiving. On the night they build shelters out of cardboard boxes, before spending a night (in a safe environment) ‘sleeping rough so others don’t have to’.

We provide guidance, set up the fundraising mechanism and provide all the materials to make the event a success. For schools, we can come into the school and talk to the pupils about how they can help to combat homelessness, just by taking part.

To receive an information pack, please email sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.

Sponsorship helps cover the costs of organising the event.

Sponsors benefit from:

• Their logo on Thank You Certificates.
• Branding on event packs.
• Publicity through YMCA’s website and social media.

Sponsors of school events may also participate in judging shelters or awarding prizes.

For sponsorship inquiries, contact Sheena Dayman via email at sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.