Those around me know I enjoy my home comforts and life's little luxuries but on Friday 26 March 2021 I'm sleeping out under the stars to raise much needed funds for YMCA East Surrey’s work with homeless young people as part of the Sleepeasy 2021 campaign. The focus of the campaign has not changed from previous years, but due to the Covid pandemic, I will be sleeping out in the back yard.


This work centres on the Hillbrook House facility in Redhill, Surrey.


The facility consists of 44 self-contained bedsit rooms (one of which is specifically designed for disabled access), an activity room and laundry facilities. 40 of these include housing support, where residents will be supported in accessing education, training or work as part of the move towards independent living.


It offers so much more than somewhere to stay. YMCA Hillbrook House is a community – a place where young people feel safe and valued, a place where friendships are made and trust built, a place where skills are mastered and confidence given in order to move on with life. 


Hillbrook House offers real opportunities for young people to get involved in the running of the service. Residents meetings provide the opportunity to meet other residents, express opinion and get involved or become a residents’ representative and liaise with staff on any current concerns in your community, as well as helping us devise a program of activities through the year. Training is provided to help residents participate in and chair meetings.


Former resident Jamie sums it up simply and effectively, “Thank you so much for helping me out when I needed it most. You have helped me more than you could know.”


I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations.


Rich