On Friday 22nd of March more than 200 people slept outside for Sleep Easy, a charity event organised by YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG).
The aim of the initiative is to raise awareness and money for the charity devoted to young people. It took part in five locations across YMCA DLG’s area and to date it has raised over £42,000.
On the night, 44 people settled in the grounds of Brighton Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC), who also provided them with cardboard boxes.
One of these people was Anna, who also took part in the initiative last year. She says:
An eye-opening night into the hardships and vulnerability of sleeping outside. Thank you for doing an incredible job of trying to end homelessness in our local area and all across the UK.
YMCA DLG is a registered charity offering general advice and support on issues such as mental health and sexual exploitation to children, young people and families.
This will make a huge difference to the young people we work with. We are very grateful to all those who slept outside on 22 March to support us. They are raising funds for our work with vulnerable young people, to help them to learn the skills to overcome adversity and to build a thriving life. Sleep Easy 2019 has heightened awareness of the increasing homeless population across Brighton & Hove. We are proud to work with partners across the city to tackle this crisis and to find solutions to end homelessness.
Chas Walker, YMCA DLG’s CEO
The charity is still accepting donations. You can donate online at
bit.ly/SleepEasy19.
