Almost 15 local businesses from the Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch area did on Saturday night 16th October. Sleep Easy is a National YMCA initiative that has raised over £1.5m since 2010.
Sheena Dayman, the Events Manager at YMCA Bournemouth, has co-ordinated businesses and local Schools over the last three years to actively get involved.
In 2019, 460 students raised almost £25K, and local businesses raised £45K.
Last year it was curtailed due to Covid but businesses, and many individuals, still took part in their own gardens.
The participants on Saturday 16th October 2021 gave up their bed for a night and slept in cardboard boxes, raising invaluable awareness as well as funds for YMCA to continue their quest in ending homelessness. Unlike those who are homeless, the individuals on Saturday evening did this with friends, in a safe and secure place and only for one night.
One of the box sponsors, Mark Benham, Partner and Head of Real Estate at Lester Aldridge, said “YMCA Bournemouth is an integra; part of our community and by taking part in this event we are helping the change the local social landscape.”.
Homelessness continues to be on the increase, the statistics are shocking. Life expectancy for females on the streets is reduced by up to 30 years!
And it’s not just about sleeping on the streets, there are also many people who are sofa-surfing and have no safe place to call home. YMCA’s mission has always been to provide that safe place…home. YMCA passionately believes that everyone should have a secure place to call home, and its local work/impact is focused on this aim.
Sheena Dayman commented, “We do so much more than just give people a roof over their heads, although we do that very well. We give our residents invaluable one-to-one support and the life skills/tools to move forward gaining independent living. We change lives….”
Sheena’s shelter was aptly named ‘House of Joy’, another reminder that YMCA aim to bring lasting JOY to those they support locally in our community.
Photo Courtesy of Paul Collins Photography (www.pcvisuals.com)