Child homelessnesS is on the rise. 

Last month, the government released shocking statistics around child homelessness. Right now, there are over 176,000 children who are facing homelessness and living in temporary accommodation in the UK. That’s the same as the number of children living in Leeds.

Let’s just let that sink in.

The number of children living in temporary accommodation in the UK is the same as the number of children who live in Leeds.

Temporary accommodation could mean a room in a shared house, a hostel or refuge, a B&B, or other small spaces not meant for long-term dwelling. And often, this accommodation isn’t temporary at all – two-thirds of families in temporary accommodation have been there for over 12 months.

Living in temporary accommodation can have serious consequences for children’s short- and long-term mental health as well as their physical health. Tragically, 104 children died between 2019-2025, with temporary accommodation listed as a contributing factor.

Not only is the number of children living in temporary accommodation unacceptably high, but it’s also risen across the last 17 government reports. The problem is getting worse.

Now, I’m not telling you this to make you feel sad or hopeless. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. I know that, together, we can make a real difference. Because we’re bringing back a huge fundraising challenge that both adults and kids can get involved in. And the money you raise will make a life-changing difference to people facing homelessness across our communities.

Introducing The Little Sleep In

You might have heard of Simon’s Big Sleep Out. It’s our flagship annual fundraising event where we bring our community together to sleep out in the elements in Leeds city centre and raise vital awareness and funds.

Well, consider The Little Sleep In the Big Sleep Out’s little sister – a fun challenge that anyone of any age can get involved in.

Throughout August, we’re asking you, your family, and your friends to sleep anywhere other than your bed. You could pitch a tent in the garden, build a pillow fort in your living room, or grab your duvet and sleep anywhere else you can think of. 

How does The Little Sleep In work?

All you need is to set up a JustGiving page linked to The Little Sleep In, and you’re ready to start fundraising! Share your page far and wide and tell everyone that you’re sleeping in to end homelessness.

You could take part for a day, a weekend, a whole week – however long you like! Our handy Fundraising Pack has plenty more information and tips, plus make-your-own bunting that you can print, colour, and hang around your chosen Sleep In spot.

Why should children get involved?

For me, the most exciting thing about The Little Sleep In is that you can get your whole family involved, from your kids to your Nan. Here are just some of the reasons to get the children in your life stuck into The Little Sleep In. 

To feel motivated to make a change

It’s more important than ever for children and young people to understand what’s going on in the world around them and to feel empowered to change the things they can’t accept. 

By getting the children in your life involved in The Little Sleep In, you have a chance to have important conversations about homelessness in all its forms and what you, as a family, can do to end it for good.

Greta Thunberg said it best: “No one is too small to make a difference.”

To develop empathy for those around them

With the number of children living in temporary accommodation rising, there’s a chance that your child could know someone living with housing insecurity (whether they realise it or not).

Over three-quarters of teachers who work with children facing homelessness or bad housing report friendship breakdowns. But kindness and understanding from your child could make all the difference.

To have fun!

The Little Sleep In is a fantastic chance to get together as a family, do something different, and raise vital funds to end homelessness without even leaving the house.

Get your children involved in setting up the tent, pillow fort, airbeds, or sofas, and encourage them to get creative with bunting and decorations. After all, you can’t spell fundraising without FUN!

Let’s make this our biggest fundraising event yet!

The more people who grab their pillow, duvet, and favourite teddy, and get involved in The Little Sleep In, the more difference we’ll make to the most vulnerable people and families in our communities. So we’re counting on you to help us spread the word!

Tell your family and friends, your colleagues, and even your child’s school. Schools could set up a joint JustGiving page and encourage pupils to get involved at home, host a pyjama day to raise extra funds, or even hold a school-wide Sleep-In themselves.

If you have any questions about how you or your school community can get involved, I’d love to chat! You can email me at lauren@simononthestreets.co.uk to talk about all things fundraising.

Let’s turn the tide on child homelessness together.

Lauren McGuire Mulvihill

Community Fundraiser