Our Night Under the Stars: Supporting the Big Newark Sleep Out

On March 7th, our SureCare Newark team took part in the Big Newark Sleep Out at the YMCA Community & Activity Village — a powerful event aimed at raising funds and awareness for young people experiencing homelessness.

Armed with cardboard generously donated by Reuseabox, we joined dozens of other participants from across the region to build makeshift shelters for the night. There was a strong sense of community from the start — chatting with others as we pieced together our cardboard homes, swapping stories, and soaking in the atmosphere despite the drizzle.

As night fell, the temperature dropped sharply. The rain was light but persistent, and the cold settled deep into our bones. It wasn’t easy. We kept waking each other up with the occasional laugh, some loud snoring (you know who you are!), and the rustle of sleeping bags. But there was a sense of togetherness that carried us through the discomfort.

By morning, the chill was almost unbearable — but so was the thought of the many young people who face nights like this regularly, without the comfort of returning home afterward. That perspective made the experience incredibly humbling.

We’re proud to have played a small part in this inspiring event, raising both funds and awareness alongside YMCA Newark & Sherwood and Newark Emmaus Trust. SureCare Newark helped to raise £220, contributing towards the overall total of just under £15,000, which will be used to help young people in Newark who are homeless or at risk of being homeless.

A huge thank you to the organisers, volunteers, and every brave soul who slept out in the cold with us. This night reminded us all that change begins with community — and a cardboard box.

(Find out more about the Big Newark Sleep Out from the YMCA Newark & Sherwood website.)