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Norwich churches take up YMCA Sleep Easy challenge 

Three Norwich churches have taken up the Sleep Easy challenge issued by YMCA Norfolk and others are being urged to join them at an event to raise the issue of homelessness across the county.

St Thomas Norwich, Soul Church and the Salvation Army Citadel have all pledged to support the annual fund-raising event in Norwich, which involves sleeping under the stars on the night of Friday February 12.

This year, the event has a Get Me Out of Here theme. Participants will have a number of activities and games to keep them busy, including building their own cardboard shelters, before they brave the cold and sleep outside for the night to help raise funds to support the work of YMCA Norfolk with homeless young people.

The Christian charity’s seventh annual Sleep Easy event takes place at the Soul Church Nursery site on Heartsease Lane in Norwich from 7pm on Friday February 12 to 7am on Saturday February 13.

The event runs alongside two other great opportunities for churches to explore the issue of homelessness.  Homeless Sunday is on January 24 and Church Action on Poverty Sunday, is on February 7.

Rev David Lloyd, Associate Vicar at St Thomas Norwich and City College Chaplain, said: “Sleep Easy is such an important event to raise awareness and funds to combat the causes of homelessness.  I too easily take my warm bed, warm radiators and full fridge for granted each day but one night out in the cold, damp, hard floor changes all of this and reminds me of the value of the hard graft that the YMCA put in for every young person on the street.  I would urge you to get involved, bring a team and support the vital work of the YMCA for our city.”

Jon Norman, pastor at Soul Church in Norwich, said: “As a church we are honoured to partner with YMCA Norfolk’s Sleep Easy project. We have a long standing relationship with the YMCA and look forward to getting behind this incredible initiative aimed at raising funds to help disadvantaged young people build a future. So for one night only, let's sleep rough so others don't have to.”

Lord Mayor of Norwich, Councillor Brenda Arthur, and Sheriff of Norwich Beryl Blower have also signed up to take part in Sleep Easy.
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

Church, youth club or company groups are being encouraged to sign up to take part, as are individuals, and are asked to collect sponsors for their endeavours.

 To find out more and register your interest click here where you can download a registration form and an information pack. Alternatively, contact organiser Stefanie Pearson on 01603 621263 or at stefanie.pearson@ymcanorfolk.org
www.facebook.com/YMCANorfolkSleepEasy/

Pictured above are members from Soul Church in Norwich which has pledged to support the Sleep Easy.

See pictures from this year’s event    
 


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