Norfolk sleep rough chance to tackle homelessness
YMCA Norfolk is urging the Norfolk community to take on the Sleep Easy fundraising challenge, inviting supporters to spend a night sleeping rough to generate crucial funds and awareness for youth homelessness.
On Friday March 8, Sleep Easy 2024 will happen in two locations this year. The first will be at YMCA Norfolk’s Community Hub on Aylsham Road in Norwich, while the second location will be The Beacon Church in King’s Lynn. Participants will give up their warm beds for one night, opting to sleep outdoors in makeshift cardboard boxes in car parks.
A significant annual fundraising initiative, Sleep Easy unites YMCA Norfolk with YMCAs across England and Wales. Originating in 2010, the event has seen over 7,000 fundraisers sleeping rough across England, raising essential funds for local YMCA services dedicated to supporting young people in rebuilding their lives.
Mary, who lives in YMCA Norfolk's housing services, has shared her life-altering experience with the charity. Overcoming homelessness that began during her school years due to family issues, Mary resorted to busking on the streets for money to cover food and basic living. At 19, she found refuge at YMCA Norfolk after escaping a domestic abuse situation. Within the YMCA community, she discovered a secure environment to learn independent living skills, receive wellbeing support from trained counsellors, and grow in self-confidence.
Reflecting on her journey, Mary said: “Being at YMCA can definitely change your life for the better! Just being here, and having a goal – something to focus on – really does give you the stability to move on.”
Mary represents one of the countless young individuals who, without YMCA Norfolk's intervention and support, would find themselves in unsafe and vulnerable circumstances.
The charity aims to raise £15,000 from this year's Sleep Easy, with the funds vital to their work transforming the lives of homeless and vulnerable young people in Norfolk, just like Mary.
Young people in YMCA’s accommodation units not only find a safe place but also engage in positive activities, receive counselling services, and benefit from training, education, and skills-based support to transition to independent living when ready.
John Lee, YMCA Norfolk CEO and participant in Sleep Easy 2024, said: “Sleep Easy is not only essential for raising much-needed funds, but it also highlights the reality of youth homelessness and why no one should ever have to experience it.”
Expressing gratitude to supporters, fundraisers, and sponsors, John underlined the vital role community support plays in charitable operations, especially in the current climate.
To register or donate to YMCA Norfolk’s Sleep Easy event this year, please visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/sleepeasy/