On Friday 25th April 2025, I will be sleeping out in support of the YMCA's Sleep Easy Campaign. The YMCA's work means a lot to me, and together with a group of like-minded volunteers I will be spending the night sleeping outside. Any donation, no matter how small, will be very much appreciated!

What is the Sleep Easy Campaign?

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, 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.

We invite you to support YMCA Ripon by taking part in the event. You can sleep outside, on your sofa, you can come to the evening event and support other fundraisers' efforts. Our goal is to raise funds and awareness of youth homelessness.

What do the YMCA do to support homeless young people?

We provide young people with a safe place to stay and give them support to help develop independence. Our Housing Support Workers develop action plans and provide practical support to help young people learn, grow and engage in appropriate opportunities. We also provide a variety of regular youth work sessions to support young people to develop life skills and independence.