Join YMCA to support the homeless as ‘Sleep Easy’ returns for 2018
Following Homelessness Sunday this weekend (January 28 2018), YMCA Trinity Group has announced its 2018 date for Sleep Easy to raise awareness of sleeping rough and raise funds to support young, homeless people across the region.
The Sleep Easy event will take place on Friday 9th March in the city of Cambridge (venue to be confirmed). Supported by the Howard Group, the event will be opened by the mayor of Cambridge Cllr George Pippas, as well as MP for Cambridge Daniel Zeichner. Participants will brave the cold for one night and sleep in makeshift cardboard box shelters in the city.
Jonathan Martin, YMCA Trinity Group Chief Executive, said: “YMCAs across the country are holding Sleep Easy events to raise much needed awareness of the plight of rough sleeping among young people. Homelessness Sunday is a brilliant way to highlight this, and we hope that members of the local community will sign up to take part in our upcoming event.
“We know from our experience over the past couple of years that without the support we offer, many more young people would be sleeping on the streets, with less chance of realising their full potential. We’re calling on our local community to sign up to help us support young people in our services today and into the future.”
Nicholas Bewes, Chief Executive of property investor and developer Howard Group, will be participating in the Sleep Easy event along with a group of colleagues for the second year running. He said: “YMCA is working at the sharp end of society helping to support those who are most vulnerable and facing challenges including homelessness and mental health issues. It is critical that we all play our part and support those doing such valuable work. At Howard Group, we very much recognise our role in engaging with the local community and participating where we can to raise awareness of some of the most significant issues in our society.”
For more information on how you can get involved with Homelessness Sunday, please visit the Housing Justice website.