The Big Newark Sleep Out

One Night, One Community

Last year’s Big Newark Sleep Out was a powerful night of community action — over 50 local people gathered at the YMCA Village, slept under the stars, and raised nearly £15,000 to help raise awareness of youth homelessness and the challenges facing young people in our community.

Now it’s your chance to be part of something meaningful. Sign up, make a difference, and invite your friends, family, or colleagues to join you. Together, you’ll shine a light on hidden struggles – and help open doors to brighter futures.

Sign up for 2026

Big Newark Sleep Out Friday 20 March 2026

Homelessness can affect anyone, often for reasons beyond their control.

Imagine facing the night without a safe place to call home – this is the reality for many young people in Newark.

Register today for Friday 20 March and put yourself into into the shoes of those in our community who don’t have the comfort of a home or bed.

Held outside the Café at the YMCA Community & Activity Village, you’ll be stepping you’ll building your own shelter from materials provided and sleep out under the stars in a night that brings the local community together for an unforgettable experience that raises awareness and funds for YMCA Scholarships and Newark Emmaus Trust.

Every year, we make a difference.

Together, we raise the profile of the young homeless in our town and highlight the critical issue of mental health care within our community.

Show your Support

Big Newark Sleep Out has become a powerful community tradition. The 2025 event raised an impressive £15,024.50. Notable contributions included Grace Hickling of YMCA, who raised £570, and the Newark Academy team, who collectively raised £2,200. Over 50 participants came together and braved the elements at the Village.

2025 Sleep Out Success

The Big Newark Sleep Out 2026 will raise funds for YMCA Newark & Sherwood & Newark Emmaus Trust

All funds raised are equally split between two local charities:  

The YMCA’s goes toward scholarships for activities at the YMCA Village, providing young people with opportunities they might otherwise miss.  

Newark Emmaus Trust provides supported housing for homeless young people aged 16-25, offering them not just a place to stay, but also access to educational and community resources that can help them build stable, independent lives. 

 

 

Supported by Buttercross Estates.

We are proud to be suppport YMCA Newark & Sherwood and The Newark Emmaus Trust. Managing Director Daniel Otton,  “At Buttercross Estates, we’re passionate about supporting our community, and the Big Newark Sleep Out is an incredibly powerful way to do that. Spending a night outside gives you just a glimpse of the challenges faced by vulnerable people every day, and it’s an honour to help raise awareness and funds for such a vital cause. We encourage other businesses to join us in making a difference.

Register Today

Look out for Big Newark Sleep Out Bobble Hats!

Big Newark Sleep Out Beanies, they’re super warm and fleece lined for extra warmth.

£20 with free delivery to YMCA Village, with all profits going directly towards our fundraising total.

FAQs

  • What is the Big Newark Sleep Out?

    The Big Newark Sleep Out is a community fundraising event where participants sleep outside for one night to raise awareness and funds for homelessness in Newark, particularly focusing on young people and mental health support in the community.

  • When and where is the event taking place?

    The event will be held on Friday 20 March 2026, at the YMCA Village (the same location as last year’s successful event). 

  • Who benefits from the money raised?

    All funds raised are equally split between two local charities: The Newark Emmaus Trust and YMCA Newark & Sherwood, supporting their work with homeless individuals in the community. 

    The YMCA’s goes toward children living in the Newark community for the YMCA Scholarship Programme. Every young person deserves the chance to play, grow, and be part of something positive. The YMCA Scholarship Programme removes financial barriers, making sure no child is left out due to cost. Funds raised go directly to help children and young people take part in YMCA activities that support wellbeing, confidence and connection.

    Newark Emmaus Trust provides supported housing for homeless young people aged 16-25, offering them not just a place to stay, but also access to educational and community resources that can help them build stable, independent lives. 

  • How successful was last year’s event?

    The 2025 Sleep Out attracted approximately 51 participants and raised an incredible £15,024.50 through the efforts of both teams and individual participants.

  • Who is sponsoring the event?

    The Big Newark Sleep Out is supported by Buttercross Estates and organised in partnership with The Newark Emmaus Trust.

  • Can I participate as an individual or do I need to be part of a team?

    You can participate either way – the event welcomes both individual participants and teams, as evidenced by last year’s participation.

    Participants must be 18 and over or 17 and accompanied by a responsible adult.

  • Why should I participate?

    By participating, you’ll help raise awareness about youth homelessness in Newark, support vital mental health care initiatives, and join your community in making a tangible difference – all while experiencing firsthand what it means to sleep without a safe place to call home. 

     

  • Big Newark Sleep Out Information Pack

    Download the Big Newark Sleep Out Information Pack.

    Download Here