YMCA Sleep Easy 2020: Charity to tackle youth homelessness by holding mass sleepout in Horsham

Participants sleeping out at a previous YMCA Sleep Easy event SUS-200128-144235001

The Sleep Easy event will take place on Friday, March 20, and is YMCA DownsLink Group’s biggest fundraising event of the year.

Across Sussex and Surrey, hundreds of people will challenge themselves to spend the night outside at one of its four events across the region – Horsham, Guildford, Eastbourne and Brighton – with the aim of raising £60,000.

Ruth Cobb, head of marketing and communications at YMCA Downslink Group, said: “Although it is a tough challenge, Sleep Easy is a great community event to be part of.

“It doesn’t seek to replicate the experience of homelessness but gives an insight into the challenges young people face.

“Those looking to host their own event on a date of their choice are also welcome, with downloadable tools available on the website (www.ymcadlg.org).

“YMCA DownsLink Group is encouraging everyone taking part to secure sponsorship and the money raised will help fund their vital services for local young people.”

Across the UK, recent research estimates that over 103,000 young people are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

These figures only include young people who have asked their local council for help, so the true figure is likely to be much higher.

The causes of youth homelessness are varied and complex, however one of the main reasons for youth homelessness is family breakdown; a young person being told to leave the family home or leaving because it isn’t safe to stay.

Ruth said: “The frightening reality for many young people is suddenly having nowhere to call home; favours from extended family or friends run out and they can quickly find themselves on the streets.

“Effective, early intervention for young people at risk of homelessness is essential.

“YMCA DownsLink Group run a range of integrated services across West Sussex, including Horsham and Crawley, to help prevent young people becoming homeless in the first place.

“From family mediation and free youth advice centres (YMCA YAC), to one to one casework with young people at risk of sexual exploitation (YMCA WiSE) and supported accommodation, YMCA DownsLink Group’s services enable all young people to gain the skills they need to thrive and live independently.”

A group of young people who are particularly at risk of homelessness are care leavers and, for some, traumatic experiences in their early years can make them especially vulnerable.

Almost 30 per cent of the young people living in YMCA DownsLink Group supported housing fall into this category.

YMCA DownsLink Group provides a vital stepping stone for those young people (16-18) who aren’t ready to live alone.

‘More Than a Room’ is a programme offered to all young residents which gives them access to a host of services, from training and employment to wellbeing and personal safety support, which help them develop the life skills they need to move on successfully.

In 2019, more than 70 per cent of the young people living in YMCA supported accommodation moved on positively to independent living.

Ruth said: “Another significant factor in the cause of youth homelessness is the rise in mental health issues.

“YMCA DownsLink Group works extensively to help all young people by offering specialist support through counselling services (YMCA Dialogue) both in the community and via schools.

“Last year the charity provided 3,500 children, young people and families with therapy.

“In addition, around 68 per cent of the young people living in YMCA supported accommodation suffer with mental health difficulties.

“Some of the money raised by Sleep Easy will ensure that these young people receive the therapeutic care they need to successfully transition into independent living.”

To find out more or sign up visit Sleep Easy https://www.ymcadlg.org/get-involved/fundraise/sleep-easy/

To donate, visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/YMCADLGSleepEasy

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