Hi!  The aim of Sleep Easy is to draw attention to poverty and homelessness, and to raise funds to help break the cycle of youth homelessness here in Guildford.

I shall be sleeping out at Guildford Cathedral on 31st January 2009 with others, to help to raise money to support the work of the Guildford YMCA Sleep Easy campaign. This organisation works with disadvantaged and vulnerable young people, to make sure that fewer young people have to endure the plight of homelessness in the future.

When lookiong at the statistics for homelessness in Guildford, I was particularly struck by the increase in young women facing homelessness, which has risen to 55%. This is over half, and I found this shocking, so I felt that there needs to be a female presence at the sleep out, to reflect this.

I was made aware of an increase in referrals of 16-17 year olds referred to the Y Centre in Guildford, by over double in previous years, and I was reminded about the high incidence of drug or alcohol issues, and mental health issues experienced by homeless people.

Since these issues are close to my heart from my working days, I am keen to try and make a difference for young homeless people in Guildford, to help them build a positive and hopeful future by:-

1) drawing attention to youth homelessness- which is a very real and serious problem, and 

2) raising funds to try and break the cycle of homelessness, by supporting the work of the Guildford YMCA's Life Change Fund.

This is where you come in! Whatever amount of money you give can make a difference!

'Sleep easy', knowing that your donation is making a difference to young homeless people in Guildford!

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Guildford YMCA Limited gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

Thankyou for your support.