YMCA's national event Sleep Easy takes place this Friday. It provides essential fundraising for YMCA's across the country to continue to support young people effected by homelessness in their local areas.
Last year, Southend YMCA provided 41 young people with accommodation at their Newlands building in Southend; that's nearly 15,000 nights of safe shelter to young people in need.
Fundraising events like Sleep Easy are a hugely important contribution to the work we do at Newlands. We not only provide a safe place to live but offer essential life skills and positive activities to help prepare residents for living and managing beyond Newlands.
Jo'Ann is 18 years old and has been a Newlands resident for 2 years. She shares her story and experiences and how living at Southend YMCA has made her able to move forward with her life after being at risk of being homeless.
If you'd like to find out more about Sleep Easy and make a donation you can visit our Just Giving page HERE. Help us continue to make positive changes in the lives of our young people like Jo'Ann.