The ongoing cost of living crisis has resulted in increasing numbers of people experiencing or facing homelessness. The Dreams United: Stadium Sleep Out is bringing the community together to raise awareness and funds to support these vulnerable individuals with a night to remember, a cause to champion.
The sleep out, a collaboration between four local homelessness charities and Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust, will take place from 7pm on 1st March to 7am on 2nd March 2024, at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road ground. Charities; One YMCA, Herts Young Homeless, New Hope and DENS, which provide accommodation and specialist support in Hertfordshire, are teaming up in their fight against homelessness and bringing attention to the detrimental impact that becoming homeless has on every aspect of an individual’s life.
The charities are inviting everyone to brave the cold and swap their bed for a sleeping bag whilst experiencing a night at the iconic Vicarage Road Stadium, to provide a bit of a reality check and raise much needed funds. This family friendly event seeks to bring together the whole community for the community. Proceeds from the event will be shared between the charities to tackle homelessness in Hertfordshire.
There will be the opportunity during the sleep out to hear from the charities about the critical work that they do and from Watford’s Mayor, a resolute supporter in the fight to eliminate homelessness in the town. The stories of individuals who have experienced homelessness will also be shared, raising awareness of how challenging it is to live without somewhere to call home.
Peter Taylor, Watford's Mayor, said: “I cannot thank our fantastic local charities enough for the work they do helping people facing or experiencing homelessness. It is brilliant that they have come together for this sponsored sleepout at Vicarage Road Stadium. I am looking forward to taking part and hope that together we raise a lot of money to support this extremely worthwhile cause.”
A range of other activities are planned for the event, which will be announced in the coming weeks, including a gallery of artwork from hostel residents, who use creativity to help them process the trauma they have experienced.
If you would like to take part and raise funds, or become a sponsor of the event then please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/stadium-sleepout/
Notes for editors
Watford Football Club’s Community Sports and Education Trust have been a force for good in their community for over 30 years; now engaging over 15,000 people every year. Their delivery spans across different ages, genders, and backgrounds, with a range of projects, activities, and events with targeted outcomes around physical and mental health and wellbeing, social inclusion, skills and learning, and, football and sports development. The Trust also runs and manages two community hubs – Cedars Youth and Community Centre in Harrow, and, Meriden Community Centre in North Watford. Behind their dedicated community work is a passionate team of over 60 members of full and part-time staff, combined with casual members of staff, volunteers, a board of trustees, and several partners. The Trust is united in its efforts to make a positive difference for all using the power of football and Watford Football Club.
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@WFCTrust
One YMCA deliver a range of programmes and services that tackle the issues facing local people and support them to reach their full potential and live their lives with a greater level of independence. Their services include supported housing, family centres, nursery, domestic abuse and sexual violence support, young people’s mental health counselling, health and wellbeing, and youth work. They work with all ages, faiths, genders and backgrounds, as part of a global network of 14,000 YMCAs, although remain an independently registered local charity covering Herts, Beds and Bucks. One YMCA have served local communities in Hertfordshire for more than 130 years.
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@One YMCA
Herts Young Homeless works with 16-24 year olds who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness and those aged 10-15 whose families are at risk of relationship breakdown. We also work with those aged 18+, including care experienced young people and those with mental health and substance misuse challenges, with housing and support needs. Our services empower young people to be able to deal with the difficult situations in their lives, giving them the ability and confidence to 'do it themselves' and ultimately find stability.
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@hertsyounghomeless
New Hope exists to serve individuals in Watford and Three Rivers who are homeless or vulnerably-housed through the provision of accommodation and opportunities to transform lives. Founded upon Christian values, which are at the core of our work, we support people regardless of faith, class, disability, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. Our mission is encapsulated in our strapline: ‘preventing homelessness, transforming lives’. In an atmosphere of unconditional love and compassion we seek to offer acceptance and respect to all. This includes practical support such as food, shelter, clothing, health care and training as well as building relationships, listening and caring.
Rebecca Palmer, Fundraising and Communications Manager 01923 227 132, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
DENS aims to be the first port of call for people in Dacorum who are facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion; to support and empower them to take the next positive step in their lives, secure and maintain a long-term housing option and be an active member of their community. The charity ensures individuals have access to temporary and short-term accommodation, and individuals and families have access to emergency food and provisions. They also provide advice and training, enabling people to develop their skills and build confidence
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@DENSinDacorum
