No Child Should Sleep on the Floor: Our Partnership with Simba tackling bed poverty in the UK

At Buttle UK, we give children and young people in poverty and crisis a fair shot at a better life. Many of the families we help have experienced homelessness, domestic abuse, or financial hardship, and for far too many of them, something as basic as a bed is out of reach.

That’s why we’re proud to be part of Simba Sleep’s Dreamspace initiative,a campaign to tackle the growing issue of bed poverty by delivering 1,000 bed bundles to children and families in need across the UK.

Recent research by Simba revealed that more than 1 in 10 children in the UK are living in bed poverty. That means an unhealthy sleep environment caused by a lack of a proper bed or mattress, shared sleeping spaces or overcrowded homes.

This crisis is largely invisible, but its impact is enormous. Without a proper bed, children can’t sleep well. And without sleep, their physical and mental health, education, and relationships all begin to suffer.

As Joseph Howes, CEO of Buttle UK, said:

When children can’t sleep comfortably it affects every area of their life. Tonight, children across the UK will be sleeping on floors, airbeds, sofas and bed-sharing beyond an age that is dignified or suitable.

Through our Chances for Children grants, we already provide essential items like beds, school uniforms, and learning resources to children affected by poverty and crisis. Now, with Simba’s support, we can reach even more families with complete bed bundles; including a bed, mattress, duvet, pillow and protector.

Steve Reid, CEO at Simba says:

We believe every child deserves the right to a good night’s sleep, and it is our mission to ensure everyone has access to better sleep through our new Dreamspace initiative, a programme that will see complete bed bundles distributed to children in need via charity and council partners across the UK.

Simba’s new powerful short film, No Room to Rest, which shows the hidden toll bed poverty takes on children. It’s an emotional reminder that sleep is a right, not a luxury,and that proper rest is essential for every child’s development and wellbeing.

Together, we’re giving children in poverty the chance to sleep well, feel safe, and grow strong.