People in Scarborough to help raise awareness of youth homelessness
YMCA Yorkshire Coast is taking part in a national event
Hundreds of people in Scarborough will be sleeping anywhere but their beds tonight.
They will be taking part in a national event by the YMCA to raise awareness about youth homelessness.
It takes place from 7pm tonight (Friday 10th March) to 7am tomorrow (Saturday 11th).
The national Sleep Easy event aims to make a lifetime of difference in just one night. YMCA Yorkshire Coast is joining forces with fellow YMCAs across the country to take part in this collective event to raise vital funds and awareness to help tackle the underlying causes of youth homelessness in Scarborough and the coastal areas.
Sleep Easy 2023 will take place in person in YMCA Scarborough and will take the form of a sleep over in their Gymnasium.
Liam Downey, General Manager of YMCA Yorkshire Coast said:
“168 young people are at risk of homelessness every day across England and Wales, and it is no secret that YMCA plays a vital role in preventing this risk from becoming a reality.
“Events like Sleep Easy are essential, especially during a time of uncertainty and impossible personal challenges. The cost of living crisis has hit everyone differently, but our local community is incredible. They adapt and unite to help those most in need.
“We are calling on our community to continue this support for young homeless people struggling right now, to show them that together we care, that we are there for them, and to highlight the overwhelming difference this can make to people’s lives. The efforts, the awareness and the money raised from Sleep Easy events fills our hearts.
“We have served our community for the past 176 years, and we know that without the support given by YMCA Yorkshire Coast many more young people would face homelessness."
Money brought in has helped YMCA Yorkshire Coast, which works with hundreds of out local community each year, to provide support, advice, mentorship and activities for young people and our local community.
YMCA says it is the largest voluntary sector provider of supported housing for young people in England and Wales, providing a bed for 9,400 people each night and collectively helping more than 20,000 people experiencing homelessness each year.