YMCA Sutton Coldfield’s Sleep Easy event at The Gracechurch Centre has been hailed a success by organisers.
The nationwide initiative, organised by YMCA, aims to raise critical funds and awareness of youth homelessness.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield provides supported accommodation for young people aged 18-30 who have been impacted by homelessness.
Residents are supported to gain independent living skills enabling them to gain jobs, places in education and ultimately, manage their own tenancies in the future.
Sleep Easy 2025 saw participants people give up their beds for the night to sleep in boxes at The Gracechurch Shopping Centre.
The aim of the event was to provide a small glimpse into the challenges thousands of young people face who find themselves without a safe place to call home.
Around 30 people attended on the evening with 20 fundraisers braving the cold and staying out all night.
Among those taking part were YMCA Sutton Coldfield chair, Beverley Redguard, vice-chair Councillor Alex Yip and local business owners Clare Whalley and Katie Hale.
Food was provided from independent eateries Patty Freaks and Silver Tree Bakery.
Musical duo Carrick performed on the night, including a rendition of the Village People hit YMCA.
The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP also attended and spoke of his support of the YMCA and ending homelessness.
YMCA Sutton Coldfield chief executive, Joy Scott-Thompson, said: “Sleep Easy is more than just a fundraising initiative—it’s a powerful statement of unity and compassion.
“By stepping outside our comfort zones for just one night, we can shine a light on the struggles faced by homeless young people and work together to create a future where everyone has a safe place to sleep, and a stable base to build from.”
So far, the event has raised £7,500 including in donations.
Funds raised will go directly to the charity’s supported housing service which provides accommodation for 39 young people every night.
