Since its beginnings in 2010, YMCA Sleep Easy has seen over 7,000 people sleep rough in order to raise over £1.5 million for local YMCA services that assist young people in rebuilding their lives.
YMCAs are encouraging supporters to sleep rough so that others do not have to by participating in special YMCA Sleep Easy events taking place across England and Wales. Ordinarily, this would have entailed groups and individuals gathering at a YMCA, constructing cardboard shelters, spending the evening outside, and sharing the harsh realities of life on the streets.
The challenges of organising an event like this during the current pandemic are numerous, but they pale in comparison to the difficulties that young homeless people face on a daily basis.
YMCAs across England and Wales will organise hybrid events for YMCA Sleep Easy 2022, which will include the return of in-person gatherings as well as providing individuals, families, and organisations with the necessary support to participate at home (other than your bed), or a location of your choice.
For more information and to get involved, please fill out the short form below, and a member of the team will contact you to discuss how you can make a difference in the life of a young person.
YMCA England & Wales has also released a briefing note outlining the current state of homelessness in the country as well as new insights into how young people who are homeless believe the public perceives them.