I've been working in social housing since 2009. What I never appreciated before I started on this path was how fundamental a home is to literally every other aspect of your life. If you don't have that stable base to go back to it's very difficult to make anything else in your life stable either.

Since joining YMCA Sutton Coldfield at the start of 2022 I've seen how vital our supported housing project is for the young adults we work with. Young people so often come here with nothing and can't see that bright future they really do deserve. It's incredible to see the change that helping them get that stable base makes and to hear about our residents that 18 months on from moving in not only have a job but are getting promoted or are now studying at University and are on track for their dream careers.

So, on 4th April I'm taking part in Sleep Easy 2025. I'll be sleeping outside on a cardboard box, wearing everything I own whilst attempting to sleep and realising how very lucky I am that for me it's just one night. If you are able to support me, or the event itself in any way whether it be signing up and taking part, sponsoring me, sponsoring a box or just sharing my fundraising page, I'd be incredibly grateful.

The funds and awareness raised by this event help us to continue to support young people who have been homeless to move forward with their lives