YMCA Cheltenham hosts Sleep Easy event marking 170th anniversary
Participants swap beds for cardboard shelters to raise funds and awareness
YMCA Cheltenham is set to host its 2026 SLEEP EASY challenge, aiming for the largest event in its history to celebrate the charity's 170th anniversary.
Taking place at the YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre, participants are encouraged to give up their beds for one night, experiencing the realities of sleeping rough while fundraising for vital services.
The Sleep Easy event also features the return of the Big Shelter Build, involving a record 80 Year Five and Six pupils from Gloucestershire schools and homeschooling groups partnering with local construction firms to design and construct cardboard shelters for YMCA staff.
This unique initiative provides hands-on guidance from industry professionals, teaching basic construction principles and sparking discussions around homelessness.
Since its inception in 2010, the YMCA SLEEP EASY challenge has involved over 8,000 people, raising more than £1.7 million to support services such as housing for those experiencing homelessness, family support, and community fitness programmes.
Between 2024 and 2025, YMCA Cheltenham provided housing for 843 individuals from the county who might otherwise have faced homelessness, including 278 children and young people alongside 149 families.
The charity's Feed Cheltenham team has been equally in demand, distributing £8,145 in food vouchers while 2,748 people accessed local food support services.
As part of the celebratory year, YMCA Cheltenham is calling for further sponsors and inviting community members to donate and participate.
Driven by their mission of 'Driven by the good we do,' YMCA Cheltenham remains committed to transforming communities since 1855, offering a wide range of services.
Faye Dewhurst from YMCA Cheltenham highlights the challenge's importance, urging all to join in or donate, with a fundraising target of £10,000.
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