Sleep-tech company Simba has launched Dreamspace, a new nationwide initiative to tackle bed poverty by donating complete bed bundles to 1000 children and families in need.
New research by Simba reveals that more than one in 10 children in the UK are now living in bed poverty. This means they do not have a clean or comfortable space to sleep. Nearly one in five low-income adults say they have experienced bed poverty, rising to 28% in London. Among single parents, bed-sharing with children has nearly doubled since 2023, increasing from 16% to 28%.
Joseph Howes, CEO of charity Buttle UK, says: “Tonight, thousands of children will sleep on floors, sofas or overcrowded beds. Proper rest is essential for their health and dignity.”
To help address this crisis, Dreamspace will provide full bed bundles including a bed, mattress, duvet, pillow and protector. These will be distributed through referral partners such as Barnardo’s and Buttle UK from this month.
“No child should have to start the day already exhausted because they don’t have a proper bed,” says Steve Reid, CEO of Simba. “Sleep is crucial for a child’s development, behaviour and emotional resilience. When it’s disrupted, the impact can last a lifetime.”
To raise awareness, Simba has released No Room for Rest, a short film created using generative AI. It shows the physical and emotional toll of poor sleep on children, highlighting how exhaustion affects their ability to learn, connect and cope. The film is available on Simba’s website and forms part of a wider campaign to highlight hidden poverty in the UK.
To help more children get the rest they need, Simba customers are also able to donate and support the campaign at checkout.
Lynn Perry, chief executive of Barnardo’s, adds: “Bed poverty is just one aspect of child poverty. Yet it starkly illustrates the challenges facing families across the UK. We’re grateful to Simba for this generous donation, which will mean more children and families are able to enjoy a good night’s sleep.”
To learn more, and to watch the film, visit the Dreamspace website.
