Lester Aldridge is proud to once again support the YMCA Big Sleep Easy, taking place on Saturday 18 October 2025. This flagship fundraising event challenges individuals and businesses to sleep rough for one night in a safe environment to raise funds and awareness for those experiencing homelessness in Dorset.

As YMCA Bournemouth’s event partner and Headline School Sponsor for 2025, Lester Aldridge reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility, youth engagement, and supporting people facing housing insecurity.

Seven Years of Support

Lester Aldridge has participated in the Big Sleep Easy every year since 2018, raising more than £27,500 and involving over 40 team members. The firm also sponsors the YMCA’s School Sleep Easy initiative, now in its fourth year, helping to inspire young people to understand and engage with important social issues.

The event provides a powerful opportunity to experience, even briefly, the challenges faced by people without a secure place to sleep. Participants build makeshift shelters and sleep outdoors, fostering empathy while raising funds for YMCA Bournemouth’s homelessness services.

“YMCA Bournemouth makes a huge difference to our community. Lester Aldridge is proud to continue sponsoring this event, which brings together local businesses to raise awareness and funds for those in need.”
— Mark Benham, Partner and Head of the Real Estate Group

A Special Year

Big Sleep Easy 2025 will be particularly meaningful, marking the final event for the foreseeable future and celebrating the work of Sheena Dayman, YMCA Bournemouth’s dedicated Community Fundraiser, who is moving into semi-retirement.

This year also sees a new partnership with Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity. Funds raised by Diverse Abilities participants will go toward developing an Information Hub for people with disabilities at risk of homelessness.

Get Involved

Lester Aldridge encourages individuals and businesses across the region to get involved — by sleeping out, sponsoring participants, or spreading awareness. Together, we can help create lasting impact in our community.

Find out more and book your place: YMCA Bournemouth – Big Sleep Easy 2025
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