More than two hundred dedicated individuals gave up their warm beds earlier this month to take part in YMCA Burton's 17th annual Sleepout, a major fundraising event designed to support people facing homelessness.
A Community United Against Homelessness
The event saw participants split across several locations to experience a single night of rough sleeping. A total of 111 people bedded down at the Pirelli Stadium, while another 49 brave souls opted for a more intense experience within the historic St Modwen’s graveyard. Separately, 38 young people from the Rolleston Scout group spent the night under the stars at their own location, and four dedicated staff members and volunteers even slept in the window of the YMCA Swadlincote shop.
Local MP, Jacob Collier, returned for his second time participating, helping to highlight the profound impact YMCA Burton has on approximately 12,000 lives every single year.
An Eye-Opening Experience for Participants
Event organiser, Paula Senior, expressed her continued amazement at the community's support. "Each year, I am amazed by the wonderful number of people who join us to spend a night in a cardboard box," she said. Having taken part herself back in 2014, Senior described feeling humbled and moved by the experience. She emphasised that the Sleepout is carefully organised to offer people a glimpse into the reality of homelessness within a safe and controlled setting.
First-time participant Rachel Wallace shared a powerful personal reflection. "My overwhelming realisation as I fell asleep was how grateful I was to feel safe," she revealed. Wallace added, "Through the night, YMCA Burton volunteers walked around with torches checking we were all OK. If I were homeless, I would never fall asleep feeling safe and that is a terrible thing."
Gratitude and the Push to Reach £50,000
The event relies on crucial community partnerships. Burton Albion FC once again hosted a significant portion of the Sleepout at the Pirelli Stadium, providing a sheltered area for many, including families with children under 18. The Xtreme Sleepout at St Modwen’s Church graveyard offered a chillingly realistic experience for those seeking a greater challenge.
Paul Laffey, chief executive of YMCA Burton, for whom this was his 17th Sleepout, noted that the persistent rain at the churchyard made this one of the toughest events he has experienced. He extended his thanks to all supporters, headline sponsor Burton & South Derbyshire College, and the local businesses that sponsored boxes and donated.
The funds raised are critical for providing essential support services for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness. YMCA Burton is still accepting donations and hopes to hit its fundraising target of £50,000. To find out more or to contribute to this year's Sleepout, you can visit their JustGiving page.
