The Big Newark Sleep Out 2025 took place at Newark’s YMCA Village on Friday night, raising awareness and support for YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust

The community of Newark all came together to spend the night under the stars to support young people facing homelessness.

Held for the third year at the YMCA Village on Friday night, The Big Newark Sleep Out 2025 saw 51 participants take part from across the community, as well as some who travelled from as far as London, to raise awareness and support for YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust.

In what was milder weather than previous years, participants used cardboard boxes, donated by Reuseabox, to build imaginative shelters, with some rather inventive designs including one creation built like a fort with its own dog kennel.

Newark Academy brought a large group to the event, who worked together to create a particularly intricate shelter.

Phil Johnson and Jamie Curt from Radio Newark broadcasted live throughout the night, providing updates and interviewing participants.

The event also featured a session around the campfire led by YMCA Outdoor Education Leader Alex McClure allowing participants the opportunity to bond and share personal stories about why they were taking part in the Sleep Out.

The evening concluded with a quiz organised by YMCA Marketing Manager, Caroline Cartwright.

Most participants settled in for the night by 11pm, and at dawn, Nigel Doleman from the YMCA Café prepared breakfast for the group after a challenging night outdoors.

Taking part for the first time were Sophie Coull, Alex Bateman, and Greg Sologub.

Sophie said: “The atmosphere felt very inclusive, we felt that we were all making a difference. We spoke a lot about how it would feel to be homeless and have to sleep outside every night and were grateful for milder weather, but were humbled by the experience and I did manage to get some sleep.”

Nikki Burley, chief executive of Newark Emmaus Trust, reflected on the significance of the event: “This is our third year of participating in the Sleep Out, and it’s crucial that we continue to highlight the issues faced by young people who don’t have a bed to call their own,” she said.

“In the UK, over 118,000 young people aged 16-24 were homeless or at risk of homelessness in 2023-2024, marking a 10% increase from the previous year.

“This event is one where the community and two local charities can come together and really make a difference. Every penny raised for Newark Emmaus Trust will go directly to our 41 residents, helping them to become independent and give them hope for their future. I am very grateful to all that made this happen.”

Many local schools have also supported the Big Newark Sleep Out, with students from Barnby Road Academy, Mount Primary School, Muskham Primary School, Newark Academy, Archbishop Cranmer CofE Academy, Holy Trinity, Sir Donald Bailey, and Dunham-on-Trent Primary School participating in fundraising efforts and raising awareness.

Becky Dobb, from YMCA Newark & Sherwood, said “The Big Newark Sleep Out is one of the standout events of my year. It’s incredibly rewarding to see all the participants who’ve worked so hard raising funds and watching it all come together on the night as they arrive with their sleeping bags, ready to take part.

“This event not only raises awareness about homelessness, but it also directly supports young people in our community. It’s a humbling experience that shows how we can come together to make a real difference.”

There’s still time to support YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust for the work they undertake in the community. Visit ymcanewarksherwood.org/big-sleep-out-2025

YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust have extended their thanks to the schools for their involvement and commitment to supporting the cause, as well as to all who participated and supported the event, including Buttercross Estates, Reuseabox, Asda for their generous donation of tea, coffee, and biscuits, A1 Garden Buildings for the wood for the campfire, Newark & Sherwood District Council for collecting the cardboard, Radio Newark for their live broadcast, and the volunteers who helped make the night possible.