On Friday 21st April 2023, I will be sleeping out in support of the YMCA's Sleep Easy Campaign. A group of like-minded volunteers will be spending the night together at our Sleep Easy site outside Ripon Workhouse Museum.

The YMCA's work means a lot to me. The YMCA Sleep Easy campaign aims to raise awareness of homelessness, particularly in young people. Homelessness is often hidden, and although some people do sleep rough on the streets, many with no fixed home will find themselves sleeping on a friend’s floor or sofa, or in a car.

In the past few years at Ripon YMCA we have worked with many young adults who have slept in tents, sheds, on kitchen floors, on sofas, airbeds or outdoors. The main reason young people become homeless is due to relationships with family or a partner breaking down. Many of our young people have mental health issues and suffer low mood and lack of motivation.

Any donation, no matter how small, will be very much appreciated!