YMCA Cheshire is calling on individuals, families, schools, businesses, and community groups across the region to take part in Sleep Easy 2026, a powerful overnight fundraising event raising awareness of homelessness in Crewe and supports people at risk of poverty and housing insecurity.
What is Sleep Easy?
Sleep Easy is an annual fundraising challenge that invites participants to give up the comfort of their beds for one night and sleep outdoors in solidarity with people experiencing homelessness. Instead of sleeping indoors, participants will take only sleeping bags and cardboard shelters, brave the cold, and spend the night under the stars to raise vital funds and awareness.
By taking part, participants shine a light on the realities faced by people experiencing homelessness. At the same time, they raise essential funds that directly support YMCA Cheshire’s work with some of the most vulnerable members of the community.
Event details
Sleep Easy 2026 will take place on Friday 6 March 2026, from 7pm to 7am, at Christchurch, 3 Heathfield Avenue, Crewe, CW1 3BA.
During the evening, participants will:
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Build cardboard shelters
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Take part in organised activities
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Spend the night outdoors
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Come together in support of YMCA Cheshire’s mission to prevent homelessness and support people into long-term independent living
Tammi McClure, Fundraising Manager at YMCA Cheshire, said:
“For one night, we give up comfort so someone else can find hope. Sleep Easy isn’t about the cold ground beneath us; rather, it’s about choosing to feel, even briefly, what too many people experience every day. Although one night can’t fix everything, it can spark awareness, compassion, and lasting change.”
How Sleep Easy makes a difference
Funds raised through Sleep Easy directly support YMCA Cheshire’s housing, wellbeing, and training services for people facing homelessness and poverty: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ymcacheshiresleepeasy
Every night, YMCA Cheshire provides supported housing for individuals who temporarily find themselves without a safe place to live. Alongside accommodation, we deliver a wide range of community services, including:
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Warm, safe spaces
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Access to home-cooked meals and food parcels
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Advice and support around housing, welfare, healthcare, and debt
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Counselling and wellbeing services
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Daily activities such as sports, arts and crafts, horticulture, and volunteering
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Training, work placements, and pathways into employment
Ultimately, all services aim to help individuals move forward positively, enabling them to belong, contribute, and thrive.
How to Get involved
Participants are encouraged to raise a minimum fundraising target, as every pound raised helps to change lives locally. To register, find out more, or get involved, visit::
https://events.humanitix.com/ymca-cheshire-sleep-easy-2026
For further information, please contact:
Tammi McClure
Fundraising Manager, YMCA Cheshire
tammi.mcclure@ymcacrewe.org.uk
07539 061190
