YMCA Ripon is set to host a charity sleepout later this month to raise funds and awareness of homelessness.
The event is being held on Friday 25th April, with participants set to 'sleep rough' outside Ripon Cathedral.
The annual ‘Sleep Easy’ event aims to highlight the often-hidden homelessness in society, with a particular focus on young people.
Participants are invited to grab a sleeping bag and experience what it would be like to live on the streets.
Lucy Downes, YMCA Ripon’s CEO, told Your Harrogate:
“Sleep Easy is an opportunity for local people to take part in an event, just for one night of the year, to experience what it would be like to sleep outside in a place that isn’t ‘home’ and feel what it’s like to not have a safe place.
“We want to raise funds and awareness of what that is like and also recognise that our young people, certainly in Ripon, but also across the country can find themselves in a lot of difficult situations."
She added:
“We don’t see an awful lot of rough sleeping locally but we do know of young people who have slept in tents, cars or even a friend’s shed…
“We’ve got situations where young people aren’t in the best place that they need to be, which is somewhere where they’ve got someone to talk to, somewhere safe, food and able to take part in opportunities.”
Listen to more of our chat with Lucy Downes here:
Taking part
Those who sign up to take part are welcomed to The Dean’s Garden at Ripon Cathedral from 7pm on 25th April.
They’ll register before enjoying a meal and setting up the sleeping area.
Participants will then leave at 7am the following morning after breakfast.
They are asked to bring a sleeping bag and roll mat, warm clothing (hats, gloves, scarves), a torch and a plastic sheet in case of rain.
Those taking part are also encouraged to raise money through sponsorship or to donate via JustGiving here.
YMCA Ripon
YMCA Ripon is an independent youth charity created in 1914.
It provides supported housing for young people who are 16+ and are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness or are vulnerable.
YMCA Ripon provides a personalised support programme to help tenants develop independent living skills, engage in education, employment or training.
Their goal is to move young people into independence, having the skills, outlook and resilience to build a successful life for themselves.
They are also a leading provider of young work in Ripon, offering a holistic portfolio of projects for 11-25 year olds, as well as diversional holiday activities.
Find out more about YMCA Ripon online here.
'Cruel and controlling': Harrogate man jailed after years of abuse
Harrogate Brewing Co win awards for region's best beer
Ripon pub owners named national winners of community award
Knaresborough pubs to host premiere of festive film shot in the town
Air ambulance rescue teenager after horror quad bike crash near Pateley Bridge
Country estate set to be powered by solar energy
Harrogate law firm retains top-tier recognition in UK legal guides
Your Harrogate to launch Lewis Capaldi ticket giveaway during Stray Bonfire
Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title
Calls for Yorkshire Water Chief to resign following "immoral and unjustifiable" offshore payments
Long-established Harrogate tech shop set to move to bigger premises
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
First look at Harewood House's Bridgerton-inspired Christmas
Harrogate's most festive pub to return this month
Ripon hotel scoops two national awards following public vote
Remembrance Sunday: Events, parades and road closures
Harrogate care residents race wheelchairs in support of Meals on Wheels
Harrogate stay and play café announces 'heartbreaking' closure
Newly refurbished pub near Knaresborough named among best in UK
Ripon restaurant reopens under new ownership
