Join the Fight Against Homelessness: we invite the community to help make a difference together
The Big Newark Sleep Out is back for its third year, with the community of Newark once again invited to sleep under the stars to raise awareness and vital funds for vulnerable young people in our community. Put a date in your diary for Friday, 7 March 2025, at the YMCA Community & Activity Village in Newark, and join us to help highlight the struggles of those without stable housing and raise funds for the YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust.
Over 90 participants took part in March 2024, including individuals, teams, and local businesses, all coming together to sleep out in solidarity with those facing homelessness. The 2024 event saw Mathew Derbyshire of Tallents Solicitors as the highest individual fundraiser, raising an inspiring £1,350, while the Newark & Sherwood District Council team with Cheska Asman, led the way as the top fundraising group with an impressive £4,224. We want to build on the success over the past two years and for 2025 have set ourselves the target of raising over £20,000.
The Big Newark Sleep Out, aligned with World Homelessness Day in October, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing issue of homelessness, particularly among young people. It underscores the need to support local initiatives that provide critical assistance to those without a home. Funds raised through this event are split between the YMCA Newark & Sherwood and the Newark Emmaus Trust. The YMCA’s portion goes toward children living in their Newark residential care homes and scholarships for activities at the YMCA Village, providing young people with opportunities they might otherwise miss.
Homelessness is a critical issue in the UK
Affecting an estimated 121,000 young people each year who lack stable housing or their own bed, often relying on temporary shelters or sleeping rough. The reality that 16-24-year-olds now make up nearly one in five of those assessed as homeless or at risk of homelessness, this year alone, the number of young people facing homelessness has risen by 6.6%.
These aren’t just numbers – they represent young lives deeply impacted by housing insecurity, anxiety, and mental health struggles.
Many are closer to homelessness than they realise; research indicates that a significant number of individuals are just one paycheck, illness, or crisis away from losing their home. The Big Newark Sleep Out seeks to raise awareness of this and demonstrate how community action can help support those at risk.
Community spirit that brings people together
Becky Dobb, our Community Fundraising Manager, describes the event as an incredible initiative “The Big Newark Sleep Out is not just about raising money; it’s about showing solidarity with young people who are facing unimaginable challenges. We hope more individuals and businesses will sign up for next year – taking part is easy and hugely rewarding.”
Next year we would love to have even more team entries, businesses, schools, and community groups to participate. Schools and youth groups are also encouraged to get involved, either by hosting your own camp-out events or by organising fundraising activities like pyjama days. If you’d like us to come along and hold an assembly at your school about the realities of homelessness and how young people can be part of the solution – email becky.dobb@ymcarhg.org
The impact of events like the Big Newark Sleep Out is perhaps best shared through stories like Oliver’s. Oliver, a young person supported by YMCA has been on a journey of building confidence and finding his place within the community. With support from our staff and the funds that events like the Sleep Out help generate, Oliver has been able to move from isolated learning environments into preparing for college – a huge milestone for him. His progress speaks volumes about the difference the right kind of support can make in a young person’s life.
Registration is now open
It’s easier than ever to sign up. Whether you’re an individual, a team, or a local business, school or youth group, your participation makes a difference.
Our Big Newark Sleep Out 2025 promises to be another impactful night, highlighting the community’s collective dedication to supporting homeless young people – whether by sleeping out, donating, or simply spreading the word.
For more information and to register
