YMCA Santas are facing tall order in building search

Exeter YMCA are desperately seeking a building for their annual Charity Santa Abseil after they have been unable to find a suitable location for this year's event. While a number of owners were keen to make their building available, they have had to withdraw permission citing insurance or health and safety restrictions.

Exeter YMCA provides over 15,000 nights of accommodation every year for local young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as helping their residents get back on their feet and able to live positive and satisfying lives. The annual Santa Abseil, in which members of the public descend high buildings dressed as Father Christmas, has raised up to £8,000 in previous years, but will have to be cancelled this year if the YMCA cannot find a suitable building in the next few days.

Peter Stephenson, the chief executive, told The Exeter Daily: "The Santa Abseil is a really fun event and raises vital funds to enable us to continue the services we provide to vulnerable young people in Exeter. The public are hugely supportive, as are local businesses, but in this age of increasing litigation businesses seem increasingly reluctant to do things that are not absolutely necessary for their business.

"It is such a shame as we make sure the event is safe by using Isca Outdoors, a professional adventure sports company, to conduct the abseil itself, and the whole event is covered by their insurance or our own from the moment someone comes on to the premises until they leave. But I suppose the reluctance to help is a sign of the times when people are fearful of litigation and so take health and safety to unnecessary extremes."

The YMCA need a wall at least 70' (5-6 storeys) high to make the adrenaline pump, but the higher the better. It could be an office block, hotel, church tower, or block of flats, preferably in a fairly central location. Good access is needed to the top of the wall (a balcony or flat roof is ideal), and a clear space at the bottom to make sure people land back on the ground safely. If a local business is willing to help, Isca Outdoor and YMCA staff will make sure it is suitable and carry out a full risk assessment.

If you are able to help, please contact the event organiser, Sophie Hodge, on 01392 410530 or email sophie@exeterymca.org.uk urgently.