Sutton Coldfield YMCA raises more than £15,000 with sleep easy event

Members of the YMCA Sutton Coldfield spent a night sleeping outdoors or in sheds, garages, or conservatories, to raise money for the charity.

Businesses also got involved to help raise funds for the YMCA, which helps change the lives of some of the most disadvantaged young people in the town and surrounding areas.

Stephanie Patrick, Deputy Chief Executive of the YMCA Sutton Coldfield, said: “The last year has been more difficult and heart-breaking than anyone could ever have anticipated.

"But one overwhelming positive that has emerged is the power of community and the difference that can make to people’s lives.

"We’re thrilled that so many people and businesses were able to get involved with Sleep Easy 2021 and I’d like to thank each and every one of the people who took part and spent the night sleeping out.

"As an independent charity, we rely heavily on local support so we’re extremely grateful to the people of the Sutton Coldfield community who made this event possible.

"Thanks to the support we have received we can now help even more young people than before and support them to realise their full potential"

The Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce also supported the event.

Spokesman Chris Brewerton said: "We have all seen first hand the work the YMCA does for young people across the Royal Town and are delighted to have supported this year's event.

"The stories of support given by the organisation to young carers, especially during lockdown, really has struck a chord with us."

Ark Media, Grant McKnight, Smart Move Mortgages, 3d Facilities Support and Burley Browne were among those to support the event.

Neil Davis, Managing Director of 3D Facilities Support, added: "We are very proud to have supported YMCA Sutton Coldfield, helping them to reach their fundraising target.

"A number of our staff participated in the sleep out to fully embrace the challenge and to raise awareness of youth homelessness in our community."