For the very first time, YMCA Newcastle will come together with 100 other YMCAs across England and Wales to take part in a mammoth virtual Sleep Easy event on Friday March 26, with the aim of raising vital funds to help tackle the root causes of youth homelessness.
Stretching from Cornwall to Northumberland, this year local YMCAs have decided to harness the power of collaboration and community spirt by swapping their usual independent events in favour of one, united Sleep Easy event.
And so, from 7pm on Friday 26 to 7am on Saturday 27 March, hundreds of people across the country will be sleeping in their gardens, on their sofas, anywhere but their beds to raise awareness of the thousands of young people who are made homeless each year, and YMCA Newcastle is calling on our local community to join.
Money raised from the event will go towards delivering much needed support for young people in our community to tackle the causes of youth homeless young people every day.
YMCA Newcastle has hosted Sleep Easy events since 2010. Funds raised from these events have helped YMCA Newcastle to support over 2,000 young people and members of our community each year, to provide crisis and 1-2-1 support, Job Club and employability support and independent living skills sessions.
This Sleep Easy will look different to previous years as COVID-19 has not just had an impact on homelessness services but on fundraising as well. Traditionally, an event that brings lots of the community together in one place, this year will see people going solo or with their families and swapping the streets for bathtubs, sofas or garden tents. It is hoped that this special collaborative event will help YMCA Newcastle raise more funding than ever in aid of youth homelessness.
We’re inviting you to take part in Sleep Easy. For more information, to register your interest or to set up Virgin Money Giving fundraiser page, click here.
Jeff Hurst, Chief Executive of YMCA Newcastle said:
“As a year, 2020 was more difficult and heart-breaking than anyone could ever have anticipated, but one overwhelming positive that emerged was the power of community and the difference that can make to people’s lives.
“We know from our own experience over the past 170 years that without the support offered by YMCA Newcastle many more vulnerable young people would be forced to sleep on the streets with less options and less chance of realising their potential.
“With this in mind, YMCA Newcastle is calling on the community to sleep somewhere other than their beds and help raise a record sum of money for this special Sleep Easy event. Please participate, donate and nominate to spread the word: one night can make a lifetime of difference.”
