Will you sleep rough so others don’t have to?

Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s Disability charity, is proud to announce its partnership with YMCA Bournemouth for the Big Sleep Easy 2025 this October.  

This impactful overnight event invites individuals, teams, and organisations to sleep rough for one night in a self-built cardboard shelter to raise awareness and vital funds for those affected by homelessness—particularly people living with disabilities, who are disproportionately impacted.

Last year, Diverse Abilities’ Advice Team supported 300 people with disabilities who had no safe, permanent home. With homelessness among disabled individuals rising sharply, a 73% increase from 2018 to 2022. This event aims to spotlight the crisis and raise funds to support the charity’s life-changing services.

Participants are encouraged to set a fundraising target and seek sponsorship from friends, family, and colleagues. Funds raised will directly support Diverse Abilities’ Advice Team who help over 1,500 disabled people annually navigate complex systems to access housing, benefits, and support.

Elaine Ewing, Advice Team Manager at Diverse Abilities, commented: “The Big Sleep Easy is more than a fundraiser— by experiencing a night without shelter, participants gain insight into the harsh realities faced by many in our community, while helping us provide hope and practical support to those in need.”

The event takes places on Saturday 18 October from 6pm to Sunday 19 October at 7am at The Treehouse, Merritown Lane, Christchurch, BH23 6DT.

Find out more, sign up and get your fundraising pack at diverseabilities.org.uk/daevents/ymca.