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.
Harrogate-based Sporting Influence Foundation to tackle 24 climbs in 24 hours
Giant vegetables take centre stage at Harrogate Autumn Flower Show
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment
Roadworks causing growing disruption in Harrogate and Knaresborough, officials admit
Yorkshire artist brings Harrogate's Old Market Hall back to life
Martin House hosts first children's palliative care conference
Judge appointed to lead inquiry into North Yorkshire mental health trust
Harrogate group raise more than £40,000 with cycle to Bordeaux
Scotton pub wins Tripadvisor award for seventh year running
Almost 2,000 people sign Knaresborough landslip petition
Police appeal after Range Rover damaged in Knaresborough
St Aidan's teacher recognised at national Teacher of the Year Awards
Bramham Park to host its first Christmas market
Harvest gown unveiled for flower show's 50th anniversary
Ripon's Mario's Restaurant named among Tripadvisor's top 10%
Harrogate Rugby Club reveals plans for clubhouse expansion and padel courts
Police appeal after Lister House minibus vandalised in Ripon
Council urged to "show me the money" and provide evidence of home-to-school policy change savings
Kate Mosse and Prue Leith among stars of Harrogate Literature Festival
Ripon among UK's top cities for missing parcels
