The Sleep Charity has launched a pilot programme to tackle sleep poverty in South Yorkshire, in the wake of growing concerns surrounding the region’s sleep health, with the support of award-winning radio and TV presenter, Stephanie Hirst.
More than 22 per cent of the UK’s population is living in poverty1, with reports showing that 30 per cent of families2 are impacted by bed poverty.
Bed poverty, when paired with the cost-of-living crisis, can have a disastrous effect on our health and wellbeing.
Supporting the Charity’s mission, Hirst came onboard as an ambassador to increase awareness of the project and the issue of sleep poverty.
Supported by pilot funding from CareTech Foundation, the project will see The Sleep Charity campaigning for organisations to donate new items to aid those in need this winter, and it hopes to expand the programme nationally in the coming months. Silentnight, Mattress Online, Bensons for Beds and Doncaster Chamber are already on board with the charity’s campaign, providing products and warehouse space.
Speaking of her role as an ambassador, Stephanie said: “I am proud to be involved in this project and hope that I can use my platform to shine a light on the issue of sleep poverty.
“Sleep is so important and poor sleep can be harmful to our health, wellbeing, productivity and mood. People need help now, especially as we head into colder weather conditions coupled with the current economic crisis. I urge anyone who can provide support, or help to spread our message, to get involved.”
Vicki Beevers, CEO of The Sleep Charity, added: “Sleep poverty is a real issue here in South Yorkshire – and nationally too – and with winter fast approaching, and the current state of the economy, we need to act now.
“Having a proper bed and sleep environment is crucial to a good night’s sleep which, in turn, is vital to our overall health and wellbeing.
“More and more families are feeling the strain, with the cost-of-living crisis a heavy burden on many. We hope that through this programme we can support families here in South Yorkshire and further afield as well as helping others to spot the signs of sleep poverty and support people to access help.
“Everyone deserves access to the essential products that help us to achieve good sleep, no matter their background or situation.”
Professionals supporting or working with those in South Yorkshire, who are in need of the basic resources to help them sleep, are being urged to complete the referral form live on the charity website.
Items that The Sleep Charity is asking for donations of include:
- Mattresses
- Pillows
- Blankets
- Nightwear
- Curtains and blackout blinds
- Grow bags for babies
- Hot water bottles
- Electric blankets
The Sleep Charity provides advice and support to empower the nation to sleep better, campaigning to improve sleep support and access to high quality information across the UK.
For more information or to get involved, please contact sleeppoverty@thesleepcharity.org.uk or visit https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/get-involved/sleep-poverty.
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