One night could make a lifetime of difference to a homeless young person
YMCA Sleep Easy raises funds to help vulnerable and disadvantaged young people in Essex, Kent and London to build a future. We know that sleeping somewhere other than your bed can be a challenge but imagine if you didn’t have a bed. Or you had to sleep somewhere different every night.
YMCA England and Wales launched Sleep Easy as a national fundraising initiative, back in 2010. Traditionally, the challenge would be giving up the luxury of a cosy bed for a night under the stars in a sleeping bag, to help raise awareness and support young people at risk of homelessness in our community.
Lots of YMCAs still take that approach, asking people to sleep out for one night on a particular date each year. However, as we’re celebrating our 180th anniversary this year, here at YMCA Thames Gateway Group we’ve decided on doing things a little differently, so that everyone of all ages has the opportunity to get involved!
Rather than hosting one central event that limits the number and age of people that can attend, we are inviting local youth organisations to host their own Sleep Easy event instead.
Get involved!
If your organisation, group or school would like to host a fundraising event, please get in touch with us at SleepEasy@ymcatg.org today!
Your event doesn’t have to be outdoors – it could be in a hall or other venue. All we ask is that it’s away from the usual home comforts. The event can take place any time between May and October 2024.
Our Sleep Easy challenges you to push yourself out of your comfort zone and sleep somewhere different for just one night – and the funds you raise will really make a difference to young people in your area.
Our downloadable resources (below) provide guidance and everything you will need to host an event on our behalf.
Not for you?
If you are unable to run a Sleep Easy event but would still like to get involved, we would be more than happy to discuss alternative fundraising activities that may be more suitable for your organisation.
Donations and sponsorship
If you want to physically drop off any donations or sponsorship money, please visit your closest branch of YMCA TGG:
Brentwood drop off point – Carol Moore
YMCA Brentwood, Chindits House, Chindits Lane, Warley, Brentwood, CM14 5LF
Dartford drop off point – Lisa Hawney
YMCA Dartford, The Round House, Overy Street Dartford, Kent, DA1 1UP
Romford drop off point – Sara Colenutt
YMCA Romford, 29 Rush Green Road, Romford, Essex RM7 0PH
Tonbridge drop off point – Nick Doggett
YMCA West Kent, Tower House, 14 Vale Rise, Tonbridge TN9 1TB (black post box available on left of main entrance outside opening hours)
Tunbridge Wells drop off point – Karen Kemp
YMCA West Kent, Ryder House, Belgrave Road, Tunbridge Wells, TN1 2BP
Woolwich drop off point – Winston Robinson
YMCA Woolwich & Thamesmead, Sarah Turnbull House, 43 Brewhouse Road, London, SE18 5SH
Event organiser downloads:
Risk assessment – sample template
Fire risk assessment – sample template
Activity – colouring pages
Activity – what is a home?
Activity – progress bar
Printable participation certificate – to be personalised
Printable participation certificate – customisable