Sleep Easy 2026

Sleep Easy is YMCA Worcestershire’s annual overnight fundraising event, bringing together people from across the county to raise awareness of youth homelessness and vital funds to support young people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity.

While participants spend one night sleeping outside, the event is not intended to replicate the experience of rough sleeping. Instead, it is an opportunity to reflect on the challenges many young people face while raising funds to help YMCA Worcestershire provide accommodation, support and hope.

Sleep Easy is open to individuals, families, groups, schools and businesses.

Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the event.

Yes. The challenge is to spend one night sleeping outdoors in the designated event area.

Although the venue is secure and supervised, participants are encouraged to embrace the challenge to help raise awareness and sponsorship.

Absolutely.

Your safety is our highest priority.

The event takes place within the secure grounds of Redditch United Football Club, with YMCA staff, volunteers and welfare teams on site throughout the night.

The venue will remain locked overnight to ensure participant safety.

First aid provision will also be available should you require assistance.

Click the ‘register’ buttons further up this page and complete our registration form.

Once you’ve registered, create your fundraising page on Givestar and share it with family, friends and colleagues.

Tell people why you’re taking part, post regular updates on social media and don’t forget to ask your employer if they offer matched funding.

Redditch United Football Club, Bromsgrove Road, Redditch B97 4RN

Registration will take place at the main entrance.

Free parking is available on site.

Registration opens at 7:00pm.

Following registration there will be a welcome briefing, guest speakers and time for reflection before settling down for the evening.

Participants will be woken from approximately 5:00am, breakfast will be served from 5:30am, and the event will finish by 7:00am.

We recommend bringing:

• Sleeping bag
• Warm clothing (lots of layers)
• Hat, gloves and scarf
• Torch
• Water bottle
• Personal medication
• Camping mat (optional)
• Blanket or pillow (optional)
• Snacks
• Flask with a hot drink

Please check the weather forecast beforehand and dress appropriately.

Please do not bring:

• Alcohol
• Illegal substances
• Speakers or amplified music
• Valuable items

We ask everyone to respect the venue, fellow participants and volunteers.

We will provide:

• Cardboard to sleep on
• Light evening refreshments
• Breakfast
• Tea, coffee and hot drinks
• Toilets
• First aid provision
• Welfare support
• Overnight supervision and security

No.

A sleeping bag is essential, but you do not need a tent.

Many participants choose to bring a camping mat or blanket to make the experience a little more comfortable.

Yes.

Toilet facilities will be available throughout the event.

Sleep Easy takes place in October, so we encourage everyone to prepare for all weather conditions.

The event will only be cancelled in exceptional circumstances where participant safety would be compromised.

If any changes become necessary, participants will be contacted as soon as possible.

There isn’t a minimum fundraising requirement, but we encourage everyone to raise as much as possible.

Every donation helps YMCA Worcestershire support vulnerable young people.

For example:

• £50 could provide emergency essentials.
• £290.18 could fund one week of supported accommodation.
• £1,257.45 could fund one month of accommodation and support.

Yes.

Many employers offer matched fundraising, sponsorship or volunteer support.

If your employer would like to get involved, please contact us as we’d love to discuss partnership opportunities.

Absolutely.

Businesses, schools, community groups, sports clubs and groups of friends are all welcome.

Taking part as a team is a fantastic way to support a local cause while strengthening team spirit.

Yes.

We have a range of sponsorship opportunities available for businesses wishing to support Sleep Easy.

Please contact us for more information.

Every penny raised stays local and helps YMCA Worcestershire continue providing supported accommodation, wellbeing support and opportunities for vulnerable young people across Worcestershire.

Of course.

Please let us know about any medical conditions, accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments before the event so we can do everything possible to support you.

For safeguarding reasons, we ask participants to remain on site throughout the event wherever possible.

If you need to leave due to an emergency, please speak to a member of the YMCA team before doing so.

Only registered Assistance Dogs are permitted at the event for safety reasons.

Yes please!

If sleeping outdoors isn’t for you, we’d love your help as an event volunteer. These events aren’t possible without volunteer support!

Please contact events@ymcaworcestershire.og.uk to find out more.

We’re here to help.

Email: events@ymcaworcestershire.org.uk

or

Kellie Dean – kellie.dean@ymcaworcestershire.org.uk