Lester Aldridge is YMCA Bournemouth's flagship event partner for the BIG Sleep Easy 2025

www.lesteraldridge.com/contact-us/bournemouth-solicitors

Will you sleep rough for one night to help local people experiencing homelessness, go from this

to this?

#YMCAHousesTheHomeless

YMCA Bournemouth’s mission is to strive to enable people to develop their full potential in mind, body, and spirit. It creates supportive, inclusive, and energising communities where people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

Our work with the homeless generates a ripple of positive effects by delivering multiple positive outcomes and benefiting diverse groups. By providing safe, stable accommodation and essential support, we not only help individuals in immediate need but also foster broader societal benefits.

Our intervention stabilizes the lives of homeless individuals, offering them security and a chance to rebuild. With a comprehensive 360-degree assessment and personalised support plan, we address their specific needs, promoting mental, physical, and emotional well-being. This holistic approach helps individuals regain confidence and independence, facilitating their reintegration into society.

Jess's Story

Jess became homeless after a mental health breakdown that resulted from a situation of ongoing domestic violence. After staying on a friend’s sofa, she was provided with temporary accommodation by the council and later by YMCA Bournemouth.

“Whilst at the YMCA I received twenty-four hour emotional support from staff who helped me work through serious issues around my physical and mental health,” says Jess. “I attended numerous YMCA Bournemouth organised activities, including residential trips, which helped me work on my social isolation and personal development. As a result, I was able to grow in strength and managed to develop a range of coping mechanisms.”

Jess successfully moved on to her own flat and since then has managed to keep her bills up to date, enjoy healthy relationships and avoid the unhealthy behaviours which were a problem in the past. She also enrolled on a counselling course with Open University, with a view to becoming a Counsellor so that she could help others.

“The staff at YMCA Bournemouth see the potential in everyone and manage to pull it out of you,” says Jess. “I wasn’t seen as a ‘let down’ or judged for my mistakes. I learnt that my behaviour doesn’t define me as a person."

"Without the continued support I received from staff during my time there, I don’t feel I’d be the person I am today."

If you have questions, or wish to take part - please contact:

Sheena Dayman

sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk

07824333505

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

The YMCA Bournemouth 2025 BIG Sleep Easy is grateful for the support of all of its sponsors.

Lester Aldridge www.lesteraldridge.com/contact-us/bournemouth-solicitors

Preston Redman https://www.prestonredman.co.uk/

Forelle Estates http://www.forelleestates.co.uk/