YMCA Exeter raises record amount for young homeless
Local people helped to raise over £30,000 for YMCA Exeter at a local fundraising on Saturday 10th March that saw them sleep out for the night in Barnfield Crescent.
More than 40 people took part in the annual Sleep Easy event, helping to raise money but also awareness of the work of the local youth charity. Participants paid an entry fee of £10 and were sleeping on DIY cardboard beds.
It was all part of a national YMCA Sleep Easy Week that saw YMCAs across the country come together over seven days to promote their work with young people.
The money raised was more than – £30,000; beating last year’s amount by £2,000 and will be used to support YMCA Exeter’s services for young people who are experiencing homelessness and unemployment across the city.
Gareth Sorsby, YMCA Exeter Executive Lead, said: “We’re thrilled about the success and I’d like to thank everyone who took part and spent the night out with us.
“We anticipate an increased amount of young people will access our services in the coming year. From purchasing essential items such as bedding, utensils and crockery, to giving residents vital support in areas including mental health, budgeting, employment and training, the money raised through Sleep Easy will stay locally within Greater Exeter.
YMCA Exeter has operated in the area since 1846. Services for its clients include Supported Accommodation, Employment Courses, Youth Clubs, Health & Wellbeing and Training Ex-Offenders.
Roger Carne, Partner at Bush & Co Accountants, a participant at Sleep Easy, said:
“Sleeping rough for a night was a life changing experience for me and my team of colleagues from Bush & Co. We can never truly understand how difficult it is being young and homeless, but Sleep Easy has given us a glimpse of how hard it can be sleeping out.
“Not everyone gets a chance to have a bed at night and a safe place to call. Supporting YMCA Exeter in this way will mean that young people in our city will have the opportunity to start again and rebuild their lives.”
If you are interested in making a donation or volunteering for YMCA Exeter please visit: www.ymcaexeter.org.uk
