A CHARITY’S biggest event to raise funds for vulnerable people across Dorset is set to be held.

YMCA Bournemouth’s BIG Sleep Easy fundraiser launch event will take place on April 18 at Barchester’s Parley Place care home in West Parley. 

The BIG Sleep Easy itself will take place on October 12, which encourages colleagues, friends and teams from businesses to take part in a night sleeping outside.

Participants construct their own shelters to protect themselves from inclement weather, with the event aiming to raise awareness and create more understanding of the complexities of homelessness.

Statistics from early 2023 estimate there are 1,095 people considered homeless across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

To date, the fundraiser has raised more than £130,000 to support homeless individuals.

“No one should be sleeping on the streets in the 21st century, this is a great cause,” said Ian Girling, CEO Dorset Chamber.

“YMCAB has been transforming lives in our local community for over 140 years, we still strive to serve humanity with the same compassion, hope, faith and dignity,” Gareth Sherwood, CEO of YMCA Bournemouth said.

“Today, as always, we are committed to serving the community we know and love.”

For more information, contact Sheena Dayman at 07824333505 or via email at sheena.dayman@ymcabournemouth.org.uk.