YMCA Leicestershire
Sleep Easy 2023
On Tuesday 16th May 2023 sleep out at Leicester City's King Power Stadium and fundraise for local homeless young people and adults. One night can make a lifetime of difference.
Story
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that our first ever Sleep Easy event will be held at Leicester City's King Power Stadium. We're so excited about spending the night pitch-side, under the stars. Whilst we know this won't replicate what it really feels like to be homeless, participants will raise awareness by swapping their beds for cardboard boxes on the concrete.
We are asking businesses, groups of friends and individuals to take up the challenge or sponsor someone to take part. All we ask is that you are over 18 and dedicated to raising some much-needed funds to help some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
How your fundraising helps:
All of the money raised from Sleep Easy will benefit local young people and adults who are experiencing homelessness by enabling YMCA Leicestershire to continue running and expand its vital services, which include providing safe and welcoming accommodation for homeless people aged 16-25, as well as personalised skills sessions to enable young people move forward positively with their lives.
The charity also offers a safe and welcoming environment for street sleepers of all ages to get some home comforts such as a cup of tea, breakfast and clean clothes, as well as advice on finding suitable accommodation and support for issues such as poor mental health, unemployment and loneliness.
A resident's story
Before living at YMCA my family life was awful. My privacy wasn't respected and if I didn't do exactly what they said, it would lead to massive punishments and sometimes violence. I didn't feel safe. I don't know how to explain how this made me feel. I wanted to shrivel and die. I got kicked out when I was fifteen.
I've had several abusive relationships. In the worst case my pets were murdered to torture me. If I didn't do things exactly as he wanted, he would smash things and spit in my face. He would lock me in the flat. Sometimes he wouldnt allow me in any rooms.
My Complex Needs worker supported me with my mental health; she listened and understood me, so I felt comfortable being honest. It gave me more awareness of what abuse looks like and now I'm feeling much more capable to recognise these things. I now feel happier in myself, have my freedom back and I'm considering what I want to do in the future, such as a creative course or finding a part-time job.
