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So on Saturday 12th May 2018, I will be taking part in the SleepEasy 2018 to raise vital funds for the YMCA.  I am not sure why it is called a SleepEasy, as attempting to sleep in a carpark with only a cardboard box for shelter in subzero temperatures, is not exactly easy, in terms of attempting to sleep, however, unlike the homeless, I won't be vulnerable to the possibility of being attacked or harmed either physically or emotionally. So with predictions of temperatures lowering and snow on the way over the coming weeks, I admit I am starting to feel a little nervous, but I tell myself..' its just for one night 'and 'I can comfort and motivate myself through the night knowing I can go home in the morning to my warm house and get in my comfy warm bed for the day'.. but for the homeless what gets them through the night eh ?? and the next and the next ?, (how quick we are to judge regarding alcohol/drugs right?)

The reason I have chosen to take part in this is event, is due to the fact that I do not think enough people realise just how much the YMCA do to help and support young people in the Southend area. The YMCA helps young people who would otherwise be potentially homeless, by providing not only a safe living space, but support in learning to cook and manage their own money and helping them to eventually find employment and housing to go on to live independently. 

Young people do not choose to become homeless, often the cause can be a breakdown in family relationships, or illness of a parent, poverty or sometimes abuse or neglect. Sometimes a young person can feel safer on the street than to be at home. 

By donating to this event you will be raising vital funds to prevent a young person from ending up living on the streets and potentially you will be playing a vital role in changing that young persons future by giving them the opportunity to have access to this vital support.

How do I know this to be true? After many years of working with and supporting young people in my previous employment as a student safeguarding advisor, I have seen with my own eyes the difference the YMCA's work has done for these young people and that is why I feel so passionately about raising these vital funds.

If you want to help too, donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.