Radio Exe announced as the Official Media Sponsors for Sleep Easy

With only a week and a half to go until Sleep Easy, Exeter YMCA is delighted to announce that Radio Exe will be the official media sponsor of this year's event.

Sleep Easy is a sponsored Sleep Out event which takes place each year in the Guildhall Shopping Centre. Last year Exeter YMCA held the biggest Sleep Easy event in the country. The event offers participants the chance to experience, in a very small way, what life can be like for the thousands of people who sleep rough on Britain’s streets each night. However, it is also an opportunity to raise media awareness about the problem of youth homelessness as well as raising money to support Exeter YMCA’s vital work, providing accommodation and support to 70 homeless young people each year.

Ashley Jeary, Promotions Manager at Radio Exe, explains why Radio Exe decided to sponsor this year’s event: “We love to support a whole range of fantastic events in Exeter and it seemed to us that this should be one of them!
“There is a brilliant line up for the evening including some great local bands, a drama group, performances and lots more. Radio Exe are promoting this event, we will have a live link to Sleep Easy on the night and I am going to be co-hosting the evening with Exeter YMCA. I can’t wait!”

One of Exeter YMCA’s previous residents, John, became homeless after feeing a domestic violence situation at home. He is currently studying at university and is coming back to Exeter for the weekend to support Sleep Easy and share his story of homelessness and how the YMCA helped turn his life around.

John says: "Sleeping rough was really scary because obviously you don’t know who is going to be coming past you. You don’t sleep well at all; I don’t think I slept for more than one hour at a time.”

He continues: “I’m so glad I came to the YMCA. It’s changed me, it’s made me more independent and I’ve met some amazing people. Some of my best friends are here who I hope to stay in touch with even now I’m at uni. It’s definitely made me a better person. I really hope as many people as possible get behind Sleep Easy and make a difference to other people who have had to experience homelessness as I did”.

Event organizer, Sophie Hodge says “it’s such a privilege to see change in the lives of people like John. I am so grateful that Radio Exe has decided to support this campaign and work with us to make Sleep Easy a brilliant night and to promote the problem of youth homelessness in Devon generally. Thank you Radio Exe team!”

Registration for Sleep Easy closes on 12 March and the event itself is on the 15 March. To register your place and help make a difference in the lives of homeless you people go to www.sleepeasyexeter.org.uk, email events@exeterymca.org.uk or telephone 01392 410530.