On Friday 30^th January 2009 Northamptonshire YMCA is holding a sponsored sleep out in the grounds of St Giles Church Northampton, from 6pm – 6am, to raise awareness of homelessness and funding for the much needed work of Northamptonshire YMCA

What is Homelessness?

Many people view homelessness as the result of personal failings, and consider that the young people are lazy and probably do not deserve help.

A lot of youth homelessness arises from family and relationship crisis.  It is often those who are least able to cope who suffer the most from homelessness.  This has a profound effect on the individual and serious consequences for our society, as there is a real risk that homelessness will lead to the emergence of other problems, for example increase crime or drug abuse.

Personal causes of homelessness

A number of different personal and social factors can contribute towards a young person becoming homeless. These may include one or more of the following:

·         individual factors: including drug and alcohol misuse; lack of qualifications; lack of social support; debts,  poor physical and mental health; relationship breakdown; and getting involved in crime at an early age

·         family background: including family breakdown and disputes; sexual and physical abuse in childhood or adolescence; having parents with drug or alcohol problems; and previous experience of family homelessness 

·         an institutional background: including having been in care; the armed forces; or in prison

Northamptonshire YMCA believes that young people should be offered more than just a place to stay.  Rather, our aim is to equip our residents with the confidence and skills necessary to cope with the transition from dependent to independent living and to encourage them to live healthy and fulfilling lives.  With one to one support, our residents are encouraged to move to a situation where they can develop their full potential and move towards independence.

All donations received will help fund the support and guidance we give to our young people, giving us the opportunity to Change a Life !  

So come a support us on Friday 30^th January at St Giles Church Northampton, or Moulton Parish Church, Moulton.  Help us to change a life!

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