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All welcome at YMCA Norfolk Sleep Easy event

Over 50 people across Norfolk have already signed up for YMCA Norfolk’s sixth annual Sleep Easy event on March 7 and organisers are hoping to beat a previous total of 80 participants who will brave the cold and sleep under the stars to raise funds for and awareness of homeless and vulnerable young people in Norfolk.

Among the latest to sign up is Norfolk County Council Chairman Brian Hannah, who said: “Having seen and heard first hand from people and families of those who have found themselves homeless, and witnessed their gratitude to the YMCA for the help and support they received, leaves me in no doubt that this is a very worthwhile cause, and something we in society need to be continually aware of.”
 
Joy Kinsley, from Brundall church - a keen supporter of YMCA Norfolk - is also set to take part in the event. She said: “I have previously supported the Sleep Easy event, which gave me a very small idea what it must be like to have to sleep rough. If by taking part this year I can raise awareness and some financial support for the work of YMCA Norfolk I will be very pleased. I 'm sure other thinking of doing it will also find it a rewarding adventure.”
 
Chartered surveyors, Peter Hornor and Nick Dunn will also be taking part. Peter said: “At Brown and Co we work very hard to find the perfect home for our clients however we are increasingly aware that there are many young people who do not have the luxury of a place to call home. We will be sleeping under the stars on March 7 to raise funds and awareness so that young people in Norfolk do not have to face the fear and desolation of being homeless and have the opportunity to build a brighter future.”
 
All funds raised from the event will go towards the work of YMCA Norfolk, including supported accommodation provided to over 260 young people every night who might otherwise be homeless
 
This year’s Sleep Easy takes place from 7pm on Saturday March 7, 2015, at the Norwich High School for Girls on Newmarket Road in Norwich. Participants are asked to brave the cold and sleep in a cardboard shelter for one night and get sponsored for their efforts.
 
Not only will it be a challenging and eye-opening experience, but an evening of fun and activities are arranged before you get to sleep under the stars.
 
Sheriff of Norwich, William Armstrong, who will also be taking part, said: “The right to a home is one of the most basic of human rights and in a compassionate and responsible society no one should be subject to the indignity and deprivation of having nowhere to sleep. I am pleased and privileged to be taking part in the YMCA Norfolk Sleep Easy which will help to raise awareness of this issue and highlight the need for all of us to do more to help the homeless. This is not just a matter of charity; it is a matter of justice."
 
Individuals and work or church groups are very welcome to take part in the challenge and sleep rough so others don’t have to. 

To find out more and register your interest visit www.ymcanorfolk.org/event/sleepeasy or contact organiser Stefanie Pearson on 01603 621263 or at stefanie.pearson@ymcanorfolk.org
 


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