YMCA Bournemouth has launched this year’s Big Sleep Easy with over 40 representatives from 30 local businesses pledging support to tackle homelessness.
The 2025 event is from 6.45pm on Saturday 18th October to 6.30am the following day at Diverse Abilities in Hurn.
Individuals, teams, and businesses will sleep rough for one night to raise funds and awareness for homelessness locally.
This year, YMCA is partnering with local charity Diverse Abilities which identified that, in 2024, 20 per cent of the people with disabilities helped by its advice team were homeless.
That means 300 people with disabilities in the local community are without a permanent and safe place to call home.
The launch event highlighted the lasting impact YMCA Bournemouth has on individuals facing housing instability.
Guests heard powerful testimonials, including from Mehdi, a former resident whose life was transformed by the charity.
Once homeless and battling addiction, Mehdi shared how the YMCA gave him the foundation he needed to rebuild his life.
He said: “To me it was like a palace.
“Whenever I think of it, I can’t tell you how happy it makes me, so content.
“I had a place where I was safe.
“YMCA Bournemouth gave me a sense of family, talked to me, advised me, arranged courses and gave me the space to unravel what happened.
“It was the best opportunity I ever had.”
Today, Mehdi is a successful entrepreneur with several businesses in the local area.
For more information or to register for this year’s Big Sleep Easy, contact Sheena Dayman on 07824 333505 or sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.