The Big Newark Sleep Out 2025 saw the Newark community come together for a powerful night of solidarity and reflection, all in support of local young people facing homelessness. Held for the third year at the YMCA Village on Friday night, the event brought together 51 participants from across the community, as well as some who travelled from as far as London, united in their commitment to raise awareness and support for YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust.
Homelessness can happen to anyone, and its impact is life changing, this inspiring event aims to raise awareness and raise vital funds to support vulnerable young people. By taking part in the Big Newark Sleep Out and stepping into the shoes of those in our community who don’t have the comfort of a home or bed, participants are directly contributing to help change lives, break cycles of instability.
The atmosphere at the event was a blend of creativity, camaraderie, and reflection. Participants used cardboard boxes, generously donated by Reuseabox, to build imaginative shelters. Many structures demonstrated the level of creativity and thought put into the event, with some particularly noted for their inventive design, with a “fort-like” creation complete with a dog kennel.
Phil Johnson and Jamie Curt from Radio Newark kept the wider community updated throughout the night, broadcasting live from the event, providing updates, and interviewing participants. First-time sleepers Sophie Coull, Alex Bateman, and Greg Sologub shared their thoughts on the experience. Sophie said, “The atmosphere felt very inclusive, we felt that we were all making a difference. We spoke a lot about how it would feel to be homeless and have to sleep outside every night and were grateful for milder weather but were humbled by the experience and I did manage to get some sleep.”
Nikki Burley, CEO of Newark Emmaus Trust, reflected on the significance of the event, noting, “This is our third year of participating in the Sleep Out, and it’s crucial that we continue to highlight the issues faced by young people who don’t have a bed to call their own. In the UK, over 118,000 young people aged 16-24 were homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2023-2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year. This event is one where we can come together and really make a difference.”
Nikki Burley, CEO of Newark Emmaus Trust, reflected on the significance of the event, noting, “This is our third year of participating in the Sleep Out, and it’s crucial that we continue to highlight the issues faced by young homeless people in Newark. This event is one where the community and two local charities can come together and really make a difference. Every penny raised for Newark Emmaus Trust will go directly to our 41 residents, helping them to become independent and give them hope for their future. I am very grateful to all that made this happen”.
The Newark Academy was a standout team, bringing a large group who worked together to create a particularly intricate shelter. Newark Academy has been keen to help their students understand the issues faced by many homeless people, and the Sleep Out provided a valuable hands-on learning experience for their participants.
The event also featured moments of connection, including a session around the campfire led by YMCA Outdoor Education Leader Alex McClure. This time around the campfire allowed participants to bond and share personal stories about why they were taking part in the Sleep Out. It was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their experiences, as they discussed the challenges faced by homeless individuals. The evening concluded with a quiz organised by YMCA Marketing Manager, Caroline Cartwright, with a mix of general knowledge, pop trivia, as well as questions highlighting homelessness and its impact on young people.
“The Big Newark Sleep Out is one of the standout events of my year.”
Most participants had settled in for the night by 11pm, and at dawn, Nigel Doleman from the YMCA Café was one of the first to rise and helped prepare breakfast for the group after a challenging night outdoors.
Becky Dobb, from YMCA Newark & Sherwood, shared, “The Big Newark Sleep Out is one of the standout events of my year. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all the participants who’ve worked so hard raising funds and watching it all come together on the night as they arrive with their sleeping bags, ready to take part. This event not only raises awareness about homelessness, but it also directly supports young people in our community. It’s a humbling experience that shows how we can come together to make a real difference.”
Although the event has ended, there is still time to donate and help make a lasting impact. Funds raised will continue to support YMCA and Newark Emmaus Trust in providing vital services for young people at risk of homelessness.
Many local schools are supporting the Big Newark Sleep Out, with students from Barnby Road Academy, Mount Primary School, Muskham Primary School, Newark Academy, Archbishop Cranmer CofE Academy, Holy Trinity, Sir Donald Bailey, and Dunham-on-Trent Primary School participating in fundraising efforts and raising awareness. The schools will be holding pyjama days to continue raising money and educate their students about homelessness in Newark and across the UK. We would like to extend a special thank you to these schools for their involvement and commitment to supporting the cause.
We would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all who participated and supported the event, including Buttercross Estates, Reuseabox, Asda for their generous donation of tea, coffee, and biscuits, A1 Garden Buildings for the wood for the campfire, Newark & Sherwood District Council for collecting the cardboard, and the volunteers who helped make the night possible. A special thanks to Radio Newark for their live broadcast, and to all those who sponsored friends, family, and colleagues.
There’s still time to support The Big Newark Sleep Out 2025.