Burton YMCA launches £75,000 autumn appeal with local MP support

Burton YMCA has launched their autumn fundraising campaign with a target to raise £75,000 across key areas of focus including the annual sleepout, foodbank and Christmas.

The appeal is supported by Burton and Uttoxeter MP Jacob Collier, who has visited their main site on a number of occasions and offered support on several initiatives since becoming MP.

Jacob said: "I am proud to be taking part in the 2026 Burton YMCA sleepout, backed by my colleague the Prime Minister.

“The PM, whose first pledge upon taking office was to bring an end to rough sleeping, met with me last month and was delighted to hear about this year's sleepout and the work of YMCA Burton more broadly. 

“Burton & District is a jewel in the crown of YMCA and will be central to this government's effort to end rough sleeping in the UK. I am proud to be its MP and will continue to advocate on its behalf in Parliament. 

“Nobody in the UK should be sleeping rough. It is a privilege to be able to work with Burton & District YMCA on making that ambition a reality, and I am sure that this year's sleepout will be another resounding success."

YMCA Burton chief executive Paul Laffey said: “We are delighted to have the support of the Prime Minister Andy Burnham for our 18th annual YMCA Sleepout, and I would like to thank our local MP, Jacob Collier, for championing the event and for signing up once again to our largest fundraising event of the year.

“The Prime Minister’s backing shines a light on the urgent issue of homelessness. Now we’re calling on individuals, businesses, community groups, churches and schools to join us on Friday, 6 November.

“By sleeping out for one night, you’ll experience a glimpse of what it can feel like to face homelessness, while raising vital funds to help YMCA Burton provide emergency food, supported accommodation, affordable furniture, chaplaincy support and family mediation.”

Individuals, families, work colleagues, friends and community groups are encouraged to sign up for the Sleepout to help make a difference.

The YMCA is also issuing a record number of food parcels due to an increased demand from those experiencing food poverty. The cost of living is putting extra pressure on many individuals and families, with more working people now using the service.

Compounding this problem, the charity is currently receiving fewer food donations, directly as a result of the public themselves juggling finances.  Food donations can be dropped off at their town centre site.

The charity is also appealing for funds to support vulnerable people during the Christmas period.

Paul Laffey said: “As a Christian charity, Christmas is a time when we are keen to focus on our core values.

“Homelessness does not discriminate and could happen to anyone at any time. We are appealing to those who can afford to help, to support those less fortunate than ourselves at this time.

“Many are in crisis or experiencing very difficult circumstances and we are here to help anyone we can who reaches out for help across any of our services.  Our staff will be working around the clock over the Christmas period, to allow people to use our services”

Pictured from left to right: Andy Burnham with Jacob Collier