Last week (Friday, 1 March 2024), Dreams United held their Stadium Sleep Out to raise awareness of local people experiencing homelessness and raise much needed funds to support them. Almost 300 people took part in the event held at Watford FC’s Vicarage Road stadium, swapping their warm beds at home for a night outside in a sleeping bag; giving participants a small taste of what it is like for those having to sleep rough.
During the evening, the Dreams United team; formed of homelessness charities One YMCA, New Hope, Herts Young Homeless and DENS, and partnering with Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust, talked about the desperate need for their services and described the detrimental impact that becoming homeless has on every aspect of an individual’s life. Watford FC legend, Luther Blissett OBE DL and Watford Mayor, Peter Taylor, who took part in the event, also said a few words in support of the charities’ life changing and saving work.
Watford Mayor, Peter Taylor said of the night:
So grateful to everyone involved in the community sleep out at Vicarage Road, and to Watford Football Club for hosting us. Hundreds of us took part, raising money for New Hope, One YMCA, Dens, Herts Young Homeless and Watford FC CSE Trust. Special thanks to the headline sponsors Imagine and to the brilliant Electric Umbrella for entertaining us.
Participant Lisa McCallum said: “After the sleepout I headed home to a warm house and bed, goodness knows how people who are homeless cope. I didn’t get any sleep it was so cold and this winter has been milder this year. Raising money for this cause is so important as it makes such a difference.”
The Dreams United event organisers are extremely grateful to the headlining Champion sponsor, Imagine; a local estate, letting, land and new homes agent and Premier sponsors; Levy, NHS West Hertfordshire Hospitals, Topgolf and Warner Bros for making the event possible. The organisers also wish to thank Electric Umbrella, a local charity that create amazing live music experiences with learning disabled people, for providing such inspiring entertainment.
Huge thanks also go to the wonderful participants who have helped the charities to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable individuals; bringing the community together for a night to remember, a cause to champion. Proceeds from the event will be shared between the charities to tackle homelessness in Hertfordshire. Close to the target of £50,000 has been raised so far and anyone who would like to help us reach and exceed this can make a donation at: Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust: Stadium Sleep Out (enthuse.com) For further information, please email: leah.crocket@watfordfc.com or visit https://www.watfordfccsetrust.com/stadium-sleepout/