Young people in Norwich highlight homelessness
 Young people from churches and youth groups across Norfolk slept out under the stars in cardboard shelters last night (September 27) outside the YMCA Norfolk Sports Centre at Trowse near Norwich to draw attention to the issue of homelessness
A group of around 20 young people and helpers took part in the Youth Sleep Easy event, organised by YMCA Norfolk, the Diocese of Norwich and Norwich Youth for Christ, which will raise money to help tackle the problem of homelessness across Norfolk
The young people built cardboard shelters, played games and did activities which aimed to help give them an insight into what it is like to be a homeless young person. There were representatives from Taverham Evangelical Church, Oak Grove, City Church, Kings Community Church, TLC, St Luke’s Norwich, St Andrew’s Eaton and Mulbarton parish church
Teenager Rob, with a group from Norwich Youth for Christ, said: “I am here to support the brilliant work that YMCA Norfolk do with the homeless and to show that we care about the issue, that it is a real problem and that it needs to be eradicated
“We built a cardboard shelter, we will be doing some games and activities and then sleeping out under the stars in our cardboard homes to get an idea of what it is like to sleep rough if you are homeless”
 YMCA communications and fundraising manager, Susie Knights, said: “The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of homelessness across Norfolk and funds for the work of YMCA Norfolk in addressing the issue. It will also help inform a new generation of supporters about the work we do and why we do it and give them a bit of an understanding about what it might be like living on the streets”
Diocese of Norwich youth and families development manager and YMCA Norfolk trustee, Mark Heybourne, said: “YMCA Norfolk currently provides a safe home and support for over 260 young people every night across the county. Taking part in this event will help support that vital work and give participants a better understanding of the issues many of their peers can face on a day-to-day basis”
“I think it is really important that young people have an awareness of homelessness as it is a real issue for so many who often through no fault of their own, through family circumstance or needing to move for education or work, can find themselves in very difficult positions, sometimes sleeping rough, being vulnerably housed or not sure long term where they are going to be saying. It is good to give other young people an insight into that”
YMCA Norfolk’s next Sleep Easy event will be open to all and take place on February 1, 2014 at Carrow Park next to Norwich City’s Carrow Road stadium
|
