Each night YMCA Derbyshire provides accommodation for 193 individuals, all of whom temporarily find themselves without a place to live.

Over the last couple of years, many have struggled with poor mental health, food and or digital poverty, loneliness, isolation and unemployment. Our team have been working exceptionally hard to provide much needed support.

All the money raised from YMCA Derbyshire's Sleep Easy event goes towards our youth and community work. This campaign enables YMCA Derbyshire to continue providing vital support to our young people and members of community most in need.

We will be able to provide therapeutic counselling, daily activities like visits to our allotments, physical sports sessions and the opportunity to have fun with their friends at the cinema, theatre or bowling. Many of the young people residing with us have never had these experiences before, so it is vital that we raise funds to give them the opportunities they deserve.

One young person who has benefitted from our support is Dan:

"When I first came to YMCA Derbyshire I was nervous moving into a new place with all these people around me. I felt scared and alone for the first week but after that I started to relax a bit. Everyone was friendly which took me by surprise I wasnt expecting that. I could have stayed in my room forever but if you dont have anyone to talk to you start to climb the walls. I started playing pool, and taking part in every activity I could."

After a year of living with us, Dan went on to do his Level 2 in Food Hygiene alongside volunteer in our kitchen which earned him his Food Hygiene certificate.

Rekindling his passion for cooking, Dan decided to start studying at YMCA Key College.

"I liked YMCA Key College and learned a lot. It was a great atmosphere. friendly. I got on with everyone I with and it really built my confidence. The course lasted a year and it felt great when I passed."

Dan has now moved out of our on-site accommodation into his own flat in Derby and is really excited for the future.

"Without the support and encouragement from YMCA Derbyshire I would have given up. The YM literally turned my life around for the better, I would hate to think where I would be if I hadnt come here. Ive put the effort into moving forward in life I have every reason to be proud."

The funds we raise at Sleep Easy 2022 really will be changing lives.