Events - YMCA Worcestershire

Stay up to date with our upcoming events and find out how you can get involved—join the excitement and be part of something amazing!

SleepEasy 2026!

📍 Redditch United Football Club
📅 Saturday 17th October 2026 | 7pm – 7am

One night can make a lifetime of difference

Since its beginnings in 2010, YMCA Sleep Easy has seen over 8,000 people sleep out to raise more than £1.7 million for local YMCA services supporting young people to rebuild their lives.

By spending one night sleeping somewhere other than your bed, you can help raise vital funds to address the root causes of homelessness.

Every pound raised through Sleep Easy directly supports young people in Worcestershire who are experiencing homelessness. Your fundraising helps YMCA Worcestershire provide safe accommodation for 16–25-year-olds, along with personalised support to build skills, confidence and a brighter future.

Sleep Easy gives you the chance to swap your bed for a cardboard box and spend one night outdoors in a safe, supported environment. While it can’t replicate the true reality of homelessness, participants make a powerful impact by giving up their comfort for one night to help change someone else’s future.

SleepEasy FAQ's

What is Sleep Easy?

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.

Who can take part?

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.

Do I have to sleep outside all night?

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.

Is it safe?

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.

Where is the event?

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

Registration will take place at the main entrance.

Free parking is available on site.

What time does the event start and finish?

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.

What should I bring?

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.

What shouldn’t I bring?

Please do not bring:

Alcohol
Illegal substances
Speakers or amplified music
Valuable items

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

What will YMCA provide?

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

Do I need camping equipment?

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.

Will there be toilets?

Yes.

Toilet facilities will be available throughout the event.

What happens if it rains?

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.

Is there a fundraising target?

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.

How do I start fundraising?

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.

Can my employer support me?

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.

Can I take part as a team?

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.

Can businesses sponsor the event?

Yes.

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

Please contact us for more information.

Where does the money go?

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

I have a medical condition or accessibility requirements. Can I still take part?

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.