Homelessness is a deeply entrenched societal issue, often overlooked by those fortunate enough to have stable housing. YMCA Leicestershire’s Sleep Easy 2025 event at King Power Stadium offered more than a fundraising challenge – it provided a powerful experiential learning opportunity for everyone involved. By choosing to sleep out for just one night, 84 dedicated individuals stepped briefly into the shoes of those facing homelessness, connecting community, compassion, and cause in a truly unforgettable way.
The Concept of Sleep Easy
The “Sleep Easy” is an annual initiative designed to raise both funds and awareness for youth homelessness in England & Wales. Participants give up the comfort of their homes and beds for a single night to sleep outside – exposed to the elements and facing the discomfort that thousands of rough sleepers across our county endure nightly.
This year’s event, held on March 19, 2025, took place pitch-side at Leicester’s iconic King Power Stadium, adding a surreal edge to an already emotional evening. (Especially to the lone Nottingham Forest fan that came dressed in his team’s shirt, scarf and wooly hat!)
A Night to Remember
Attendees arrived with sleeping bags and collected their cardboard boxes, ready to make their temporary shelters. They were welcomed warmly by Chair Hayley Robertson, CEO Paul Brown, and Latoya Flannagan, whose powerful words grounded the night with real raw honesty and heartfelt reflection.
Before settling in, participants took a mini stadium tour, soaking up the atmosphere while preparing for the night ahead. Though dry, the chill crept in as darkness fell, dropping below freezing before midnight – but the spirit of solidarity never waned. As dawn broke, sleepers were treated to a hot breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express Leicester, served with a side of well-earned comfort.
Reflections
In interviews the next morning, many reflected on the experience as “humbling,” “eye-opening,” and “emotional.” Common themes included:
- Discomfort and Vulnerability: The physical strain of sleeping on concrete with limited warmth reminded many of how challenging even one night outside can be.
- Emotional Realisation: Several participants admitted they hadn’t grasped the full emotional toll of homelessness until feeling invisible, cold, and isolated—even for just one night.
- Community Bonding: Despite the chill, laughter echoed across the stadium. Strangers became teammates, united in their discomfort and their desire to make a difference.
As one participant summed it up in the morning:
“It’s not about pretending we know what it’s really like—it’s about understanding that we don’t, and doing something about it.”
£16,000 Raised – And Counting!
Thanks to the passion and generosity of everyone involved, over £16,000 has already been raised—with donations still coming in. These vital funds will help YMCA Leicestershire continue its mission to support young people aged 16–25 who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Broader Impact
While the funds raised are crucial, the event’s educational value is equally impactful. Sleep Easy creates advocates. We’ve now done three events and two teams and one individual have supported them all, all challenging themselves for Sleep Easy ’26. It turns curiosity into compassion and compassion into action. Participants return to their homes with more than just tired eyes – they carry stories, perspective, and a drive to support change.
Thank You to Our Champions
This year’s Sleep Easy wouldn’t have been possible without an incredible cast of contributors:
🙏 Event Partners:
Leicester City Football Club, Leicester City in the Community, Holiday Inn Express Leicester, Boxes and Packaging, Matt Glover Photography
🎶 Live Music:
Curtis Matthew, Charmaine Brocklebank, Steve Smith
💼 Team Participants:
PA Housing, Unite Students, Central England Co-op, Morro Partnerships, Leicestershire Law Society, Foxes Trust, Mo Walker / WBR Group, and the Make Change Team
At The End of the Day
By offering a glimpse into the realities of homelessness, YMCA Leicestershire’s Sleep Easy event bridges the gap between empathy and action. In just one night, it mobilised generosity, inspired education, and reminded everyone that no young person should face homelessness alone.
You can watch the short ‘Morning After The Night Before…’ video here: https://youtu.be/OU6D2LjpzP4
To donate or get involved in future events, visit: www.ymcaleics.org.uk
