- A child’s bed and easel were placed in front of the steps of Stormont today to represent the 19,420 children and young people under the age of 18 officially experiencing homelessness in Northern Ireland.
- Simon Community highlighted the urgent need for more family homes and long-term solutions to a crisis that continues to grow.
- They also invited the public to join this year’s One Big Sleep Out taking place at Stormont on Friday 10th October 2025.
A child’s bed and easel were placed on the steps of Stormont today to highlight the scale of homelessness in Northern Ireland, and the fact that around a third of the 61,000 people who are legally homeless are children or young people under the age of 18.
While some 5,000 children are currently living in temporary accommodation - including hostels, hotels, and B&Bs - many thousands more are sofa-surfing, staying with relatives, or living in overcrowded, unsafe housing. These young people lack the security and stability of a permanent home, and the impact can be devastating.
The visual stunt marked the launch of Simon Community’s flagship fundraising and awareness event, One Big Sleep Out 2025, which will take place on World Homeless Day, Friday 10th October, at Stormont Estate.
Simon Community is inviting the public to swap their bed for a sleeping bag and join them at Stormont, raising vital funds and awareness for the thousands of people experiencing homelessness. By taking part, participants will help shine a light on the growing crisis while supporting the charity’s emergency accommodation and life-changing services.
Jim Dennison, Chief Executive of Simon Community, said: “Every one of those 19,420 children without a permanent home in Northern Ireland is more than a number – we are talking about real lives. No child should have to grow up without the safety and stability of a home. The impact of homelessness at a young age can last a lifetime, affecting everything from education to mental health and life chances. One Big Sleep Out is our way of saying this isn’t acceptable. It’s not just a fundraiser – it’s a wake-up call. We urgently need more family homes, and we need to act now to give every child the safety and stability they deserve. I also want to thank our incredible partners who joined us today at Stormont. Their continued support and collaboration are vital in helping us tackle homelessness head-on and build a future where every child has a place to call home.”
Participants are encouraged to raise funds ahead of the event, with all money going directly to Simon Community’s services, including prevention programmes, emergency accommodation, and support to help people rebuild their lives.
To learn more about the 2025 One BIG Sleep Out or to sign up click here.
