The local YMCA is calling on its community to come together for one night as part of the national YMCA Sleep Easy Week.
The charity says, “What is the YMCA Sleep Easy?
“The aim is simple: Sleeping rough so others don’t have to.
“Challenge yourself, your family, friends or work colleagues to sleep rough for one night and raise money to help change the lives of vulnerable young people. All the money raised goes directly to local YMCA Mendip & South Somerset projects, impacting our community and helping disadvantaged young people build a future.
“Last year, a young person was made homeless every hour in England; and hundreds of young people spent at least one night on the streets.
“For every rough sleeper in our community, there are dozens more who are sleeping on a friend’s sofa, in a car, or on the move night after night.
“Young people experiencing homelessness believe the public don’t care about them.
Sign up to Sleep Easy today and help YMCA Mendip & South Somerset support more young people find a safe place to stay and access the support and resources they need to rebuild their lives. One night really can make a lifetime of difference.
“YMCA Mendip & South Somerset’s Sleep Easy event will take place at Frome Youth & Community Centre on Saturday 16th March, from 7pm until 7am the following day.
“Sleep Easy is a fun and safe event and although is not a genuine experience of sleeping rough, by taking part you will be helping to raise funds for local young people in need.
“Although part of the wider YMCA movement, YMCA Mendip and South Somerset is an independent charity and relies on the local community for support. All funds raised during this event will be used to provide much-needed local provision.
“To take part in this year’s Sleep Easy, registration costs £10 per participant (exceptions apply) and participants are then being asked to gain sponsorship and help raise as much money as possible.
Marketing & fundraising manager, Michelle Payne said, “We don’t aim to replicate the experience of what some of our residents have been through if they slept rough; instead we wish to raise awareness and generate funds in order to prevent more young people having no option but to spend a night on the streets.
“Our ultimate aim is to create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.”
If anyone sees a rough sleeper, they should call the rough sleeper referral line, StreetLink, on 0300 500 0914 or refer online at www.streetlink.org.uk
If you are interested in taking part in YMCA Mendip & South Somerset’s Sleep Easy event or wish to make a donation, you can find out more by visiting www.mendipymca.org.uk or by contacting their fundraising department on 01749 679553 or fundraising @mendipymca.org.uk
