January 17, 2014 2.34 pm This story is over 122 months old

Lincolnshire YMCA sleeps rough for new Lincoln shelter

Sleep Easy: Lincolnshire YMCA are preparing to spend a night braving the elements as part of an initiative to help fund a new night shelter in Lincoln.
Photo: Mark Hills

Lincolnshire YMCA are preparing to spend a night braving the elements as part of an initiative to help fund a new night shelter in Lincoln.

The national Sleep Easy event sees fundraisers spending a night on the streets to highlight the issue of youth homelessness, and to raise money for local YMCAs.

The event will be held at Lincoln Cathedral and The Showroom on Tritton road, on February 28 from 7pm until 7am the following day.

The night will involve spending the night outdoors with cardboard to sleep in. Hot drinks and breakfast will be provided to participants.

In association with Lincoln welfare charity Nomad Trust, Lincolnshire YMCA hope to beat the £3,000 total raised at last year’s event, and fund a new night shelter which is currently in the feasibility stage.

Malcolm Barham, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire YMCA, at the 2013 Sleep Easy event.

Malcolm Barham, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire YMCA, at the 2013 Sleep Easy event.

Malcolm Barham, Chief Executive at Lincolnshire YMCA, is encouraging local people and businesses to take part.

Mr Barham said: “Every night in Lincolnshire people sleep rough. Lincolnshire YMCA and The Nomad Trust are working hard to tackle rough sleeping and homelessness.

“Every penny raised will go towards the development of a new night shelter. We are only sleeping rough for one night; can you imagine the mental anguish of not knowing you have somewhere safe and warm to stay each night?”

Registration is open now, with a £10 fee for adults and £5 for under 18s. Anyone above the age of 12 can take part, but under 18s have to be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the night.

To register, go to the Lincolnshire YMCA website and click on the Sleep Easy logo. You can also sponsor Malcom Barham via this page. For more information, contact [email protected].