YMCA Ripon is set to host a charity sleepout later this month to raise funds and awareness of homelessness.
The event is being held on Friday 25th April, with participants set to 'sleep rough' outside Ripon Cathedral.
The annual ‘Sleep Easy’ event aims to highlight the often-hidden homelessness in society, with a particular focus on young people.
Participants are invited to grab a sleeping bag and experience what it would be like to live on the streets.
Lucy Downes, YMCA Ripon’s CEO, told Your Harrogate:
“Sleep Easy is an opportunity for local people to take part in an event, just for one night of the year, to experience what it would be like to sleep outside in a place that isn’t ‘home’ and feel what it’s like to not have a safe place.
“We want to raise funds and awareness of what that is like and also recognise that our young people, certainly in Ripon, but also across the country can find themselves in a lot of difficult situations."
She added:
“We don’t see an awful lot of rough sleeping locally but we do know of young people who have slept in tents, cars or even a friend’s shed…
“We’ve got situations where young people aren’t in the best place that they need to be, which is somewhere where they’ve got someone to talk to, somewhere safe, food and able to take part in opportunities.”
Listen to more of our chat with Lucy Downes here:
Taking part
Those who sign up to take part are welcomed to The Dean’s Garden at Ripon Cathedral from 7pm on 25th April.
They’ll register before enjoying a meal and setting up the sleeping area.
Participants will then leave at 7am the following morning after breakfast.
They are asked to bring a sleeping bag and roll mat, warm clothing (hats, gloves, scarves), a torch and a plastic sheet in case of rain.
Those taking part are also encouraged to raise money through sponsorship or to donate via JustGiving here.
YMCA Ripon
YMCA Ripon is an independent youth charity created in 1914.
It provides supported housing for young people who are 16+ and are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness or are vulnerable.
YMCA Ripon provides a personalised support programme to help tenants develop independent living skills, engage in education, employment or training.
Their goal is to move young people into independence, having the skills, outlook and resilience to build a successful life for themselves.
They are also a leading provider of young work in Ripon, offering a holistic portfolio of projects for 11-25 year olds, as well as diversional holiday activities.
Find out more about YMCA Ripon online here.
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