YMCA Cheltenham aims for record-breaking Sleep Easy event
Charity marks 170 years with annual street sleep and Big Shelter Build challenge
YMCA Cheltenham is gearing up for a monumental event, urging the local community to participate in their SLEEP EASY challenge on the 24th April 2026.
This annual fundraiser, marking the charity's 170th anniversary, invites participants to sacrifice their warm beds for a night, experiencing the reality of sleeping on the streets to raise awareness and funds.
The event, scheduled at the YMCA Cheltenham Sports Centre, encourages individuals, families, and businesses to build cardboard shelters and brave the elements, supporting the YMCA's critical work with vulnerable individuals.
Since its inception in 2010, the SLEEP EASY challenge has seen over 8,000 people raise more than £1.7 million for life-changing services, including housing for the homeless and community fitness programmes.
John Ingles, Head of Housing at YMCA Cheltenham, emphasised the importance of the event, stating: "Our annual SLEEP EASY event is crucial for us. It unites the community in compassion for those facing homelessness."
The charity also sees the return of the Big Shelter Build, where 80 Gloucestershire school children collaborate with local construction firms to create shelters from cardboard, learning about homelessness through teamwork and creativity.
Melody, age 9, expressed her enthusiasm: "I really loved coming to the event as not everyone has somewhere to sleep and I want to help - I'm looking forward to sleeping outside again this year."
John added, "With record participation in the Big Shelter Build, we're aiming to make SLEEP EASY 2026 our biggest yet, marking 170 years of vital services."
Registrations for the event close on 17th April.