YMCA Thames Gateway is calling on local residents to come together and sleep rough for one night in March to support local, homeless young people.
The local youth charity, which has had a presence in Dartford since 1883, is hosting a Sleep Easy fundraiser in Central Park from 7pm to 7am on Friday 6 March. The event will see participants sleep outside for an evening to not only raise money but also awareness of youth homelessness.
YMCA Thames Gateway is one of several local YMCAs across the country that have joined forces to raise awareness during the national Sleep Easy Week (6 – 13 March). Hundreds of supporters are expected to sleep out all over the country to raise funds to help YMCA continue to support residents and young people in its services.
YMCA Thames Gateway has hosted Sleep Easy nights since 2010 and the charity hope that this year’s event will help raise even more funds as the numbers of rough sleepers of all ages continues to rise and pressures mount on the housing market.
Brian Cooke, YMCA’s Director of Housing, said: “YMCA’s across the country are holding Sleep Easy events at the same time to raise much needed awareness of the plight of rough sleeping among young people.”
“We know from experience that without the support we offer many more young people would be sleeping on the streets and have less options and less chance of realising their potential.
“We are calling on the local community, old and young, to sign up for YMCA Sleep Easy and help us support young people in our services today and into the future. One night out can make a lifetime difference.”
To register for the Sleep Easy event with YMCA Thames Gateway visit their website at http://www.ymcatg.org or email sleepeasy@ymcatg.org.