On Friday 28 February 2025, Dreams United came together again to hold a second annual Stadium Sleep Out to raise awareness of local people experiencing homelessness and much needed funds to support them. Almost 200 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, with temperatures overnight dipping below freezing. The event raised an amazing £43,515.85. Proceeds from the event will be shared between the charities to tackle homelessness in Hertfordshire.
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 continuing need for their services and described the detrimental impact that becoming homeless has on every aspect of an individual’s life. Entertainment also included stalls and games provided by each of the charities. Fellow charity Hand On Heart was also present on the night, with attendees helping them to create packs for those experiencing homelessness. Finally, Rapid Relief then joined the event on Saturday morning to provide our sleepers with a well-earned breakfast bap.
Watford FC’s Community Sports & Education Trust’s Events & Marketing Officer, Leah Crocket, said, “It was an honour to once again host the Sleep Out at Vicarage Road Stadium, in partnership with DENS, Herts Young Homeless, New Hope and One YMCA. With nearly 200 people braving the freezing cold weather, we hope this experience provided a glimpse into what homelessness truly feels like, while also helping raise much-needed funds to make a difference across Watford and the surrounding areas. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, donated and supported our important work supporting both individuals and our wider community.”
The Dreams United event organisers are extremely grateful for the valuable support from local businesses to make the event possible with Foxtons Estate Agents as headline sponsor and further support from Warner Bros, Morgan Sindall, Topgolf, Gather & Gather, and West Herts Hospital NHS Trust. The organisers also wish to thank Electric Umbrella, a local charity that create amazing live music experiences with learning disabled people, for supporting us yet again with another incredible on the night performance.
Glenn Smith from Foxtons said, “A very cold night, but for an amazing cause. To experience just how tough one night outside is was eye opening for us all, and it was heart-warming to see the local community come together to raise much needed funds. Homelessness really does need to be eradicated, and by supporting these charities, they are able to make giant strides to achieve just that.”
Huge thanks also go to all the amazing participants for helping the charities to raise awareness and funds to support vulnerable individuals. The event had a wonderful feeling of community coming together for a common cause.
Participants said:
“I live in Croxley and it’s nice to support local organisations and local causes. It feels like you are more tethered to the communities that are receiving the benefit.” Grace
“We’re doing this for one night – some people have to do this every day.” Mark
