YMCA Sutton Coldfield is calling on local residents to come together and sleep rough for one night in March to help prevent youth homelessness.
The local children and young people’s charity, which has worked in Sutton Coldfield for the past 118 years, is hosting a Sleep Easy fundraiser in Gracechurch Shopping Centre on 23rd March 2018. The event will see participants sleep in cardboard boxes for the night to not only raise money but also awareness of youth homelessness.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield is one of several local YMCAs across the country that have joined forces to raise awareness of Sleep Easy during the month of March. Hundreds of supporters are expected to sleep out all over the country raising funds to help YMCAs continue to provide services and support to residents and young people.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield’s Sleep Easy event is now in its 9th Year and as homelessness figures continue to rise and pressures mount on the local housing market, it is hoped that this year’s coordinated fundraising will help YMCA Sutton Coldfield raise even more funds.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield, which changes the lives of hundreds of young people and their families each year, not only provides accommodation to prevent youth homelessness but also supports disadvantaged young people and young carers as well as children and young people with disabilities.
Clive Yates, YMCA Sutton Coldfield Chief Executive, explains why this event is so important in helping to prevent homelessness “Part of the problem is that homelessness isn’t always visible. We can’t underestimate the level of hidden homelessness in our community. Many of the young people we meet are sofa surfing or staying in insecure accommodation. Without the help and support we offer, these young and vulnerable people would be homeless with far fewer options and less chance of realising their potential”
“We are calling on the local community, old and young, to sign up to the YMCA Sleep Easy event to help us support young people today and into the future. One night out really can make a lifetime difference.”
To register for the our Sleep Easy event, you can contact Alan Burrows on 0121 354 5614 or register here.
