VOLUNTEERS in Teesdale have raised £2,000 after braving the elements for the night to raise awareness of youth homelessness.
A group of 11 people took part in YMCA Teesdale’s Sleep Easy event last Friday which saw them bed down for the night in cardboard boxes at St Mary’s Church car park, in Barnard Castle.
The organisation was one of several YMCAs across the country to host similar events as part of YMCA Sleep Easy Week. Town mayor Cllr Sandra Moorhouse officially opened the event and served hot soup to the participants.
YMCA Teesdale’s operations director, Rachel Dyne, said: “Participants saw all weather. We had rain, snow, sleet, wind and ice. Temperatures got down to minus two with a wind chill of minus six.
“Anyone who did sleep slept for about three hours on and off. We advised people to keep getting up and moving because of how cold it was. I think waking up in a box covered in ice was a hard experience for everyone. Apart from the weather it was fine. It showed the harsh reality of what people sleeping rough really do face.”
A competition was held for the best decorated box and the winner, chosen by Cllr Moorhouse, was Alicia Barlow from Hewitts Solicitors, in Bishop Auckland.
Hot curry was welcomed later in the evening, thanks to Zak Ahmed from Spice Island.
Everything needed to serve bacon sandwiches for breakfast was also supplied by Oliver Twist’s Sandwich Bar.
Ms Dyne said: “We are really happy with the amount we’ve raised. All of the money will go towards work in Teesdale. We will be doing some research into what forms of homelessness are in Teesdale to find out what the numbers are.”
The organisation’s long-term goal is to provide support in accommodation.
Messages of thanks were also given to YMCA volunteer Julian Taylor, the church for providing a suitable venue, GSK for the donation of cardboard boxes and all who sponsored or made donations including North Star Housing.
