Over 130 people are preparing to brave the outdoors for YMCA Bournemouth’s annual fundraising event – The BIG Sleep Easy 2025, taking place on Saturday 18th October 2025 from 6.30pm through to 6.30am at The Treehouse, Diverse Abilities, Hurn.
The BIG Sleep Easy brings together groups, clubs, individuals and local businesses for a unique challenge: to build shelters from cardboard and ‘survive’ the night. More than just a test of endurance, the event shines a spotlight on the realities of homelessness while raising essential funds to support YMCA Bournemouth’s life-changing work in the local community.
Supporting Homelessness in Bournemouth. Funds raised will help YMCA Bournemouth continue to provide vital support services for those in need—helping people achieve independent living and secure positive long-term futures.
Jess, a former resident of YMCA’s Delta House, shared her story:
“Whilst at the YMCA I received 24-hour emotional support from staff who helped me work through serious issues around my physical and mental health. I attended numerous YMCA activities, including residential trips, which helped me work on my social isolation and personal development. As a result, I was able to grow in strength and managed to develop a range of coping mechanisms.”
Partnership with Diverse Abilities
This year, YMCA Bournemouth is proud to partner with Diverse Abilities, a local charity supporting people with disabilities. In 2024, the charity’s Advice Team reported that 20% of the people it supported were homeless, equating to around 300 people with disabilities in our local community without a safe place to call home. Funds raised through The BIG Sleep Easy will also help sustain Diverse Abilities’ crucial advice services.
Lester Aldridge, one of the South Coast’s leading law firms, is the headline sponsor of The BIG Sleep Easy 2025.
Mark Benham, Partner at Lester Aldridge, said:
“I’m extremely proud that Lester Aldridge continues to support such an important event and two fantastic charities that provide transformative work within our community.”
The BIG Sleep Easy is more than a fundraiser—it’s a community movement. Participants are encouraged to set themselves a fundraising target, compete for the most authentic cardboard shelter and experience one night of resilience in support of thousands who face homelessness daily.
To find out more or to donate, please contact: Sheena Dayman 07824 333505 sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk
Or donate online via: JustGiving – YMCA Bournemouth BIG Sleep Easy 2025
