When Simba first launched Dreamspace, its research showed that more than one in 10 children in the UK were living in bed poverty, meaning a good night’s sleep was far from guaranteed – and sleep poverty remains a silent crisis today, with families facing financial hardship often resorting to sofas, shared beds, or even the floor, the bed brand reports …
Recognising how vital quality sleep is to children’s health, learning and emotional wellbeing, in June last year Simba launched Dreamspace, an initiative dedicated to giving children in need a safe, comfortable place to sleep.
Now approaching its first anniversary, Simba Dreamspace has already made a meaningful difference to hundreds of children across the UK. Working through trusted frontline partners including Barnardo’s, Buttle UK, Zarach and Saracens High School, the programme has so far delivered 471 high-quality bed bundles directly to some of the families that need them most.
Each bundle, designed by Simba, includes a sturdy bed frame, mattress, soft bedding and pillow, creating “a warm, safe place to sleep and a renewed sense of comfort and stability”.
Real impact, real change
Behind every delivery lies a story of transformation. In one recent Barnardo’s-supported case, a mother had been struggling to provide the basic bedding for her daughter while managing long-term financial strain. Despite her efforts, a proper bed remained out of reach.
When they received a full Dreamspace bundle through Barnardo’s Child Poverty Fund, complete with bedding, mattress, frame and even a teddy bear, the difference was immediate. Her daughter finally had a space of her own, a quiet, warm spot to rest, read, dream, and simply be a child. The mother expressed heartfelt gratitude: “I am absolutely overwhelmed by how much this fund has helped us as a family.”
The support eased financial pressure and stress in the home. The mum felt she could finally provide the basics her daughter deserved, improving the family’s wellbeing, and helping create better conditions for learning and confidence at school.
Purpose beyond products
Dreamspace places dignity at its core, with high-quality bed bundles designed to give children a comfortable space of their own.
Simba’s wider commitment to responsible business underpins the initiative. As a certified B Corp business, the company is renewing its certification under new, more rigorous standards, reinforcing and continuing to centre its focus on people, planet and purpose.
And this support is also growing through customer contributions. Donations at checkout have already raised £16,630, helping fund an additional 111 bed bundles.
Looking ahead
As Dreamspace approaches its first anniversary, Simba is reflecting on the progress made and looking ahead to how the initiative can grow. Through close collaboration with frontline partners, Dreamspace is now delivering an average of 15-20 bundles each week. Simba’s focus now is on growing Dreamspace and supporting more children who need a proper place to sleep.
Simba CEO Steve Reid says: “We’re incredibly proud of what Dreamspace has delivered in its first year, supporting hundreds of children with a proper place to sleep. What’s been most encouraging is seeing the difference that makes to families day to day. Our focus now is on building on that progress and reaching more and more children with the support of our charity partners.”
Dreamspace is also helping raise awareness of sleep poverty. The initiative was recently featured in The Guardian, highlighting growing calls for bed poverty to be recognised as a national issue.
To learn more about Simba Dreamspace and how to support the initiative, visit its dedicated website.
Pictured: a typical Simba Dreamspace bed bundle
