Exeter MP sleeping rough

Bethan Spencer
Authored by Bethan Spencer
Posted Saturday, February 21, 2015 - 11:00am

Ben Bradshaw, Labour MP for Exeter, will be spending one night sleeping out in the Guildhall Shopping Centre in order to gain a glimpse of the challenges of being homeless.

The event is called Sleep Easy and is hosted by YMCA Exeter to help raise awareness about the growing numbers of homelessness in the city, as well as vital funds to support the charities work with vulnerable, disadvantaged and homeless young people.

Commenting on his decision to take part in the sleep out, Bradshaw describes how, “‘We are seeing a big increase in rough sleeping and homelessness in Exeter and YMCA Exeter do a great job in providing safe, secure accommodation for young homeless people and helping move them on to living independently, so anything extra we can raise will be helping them to continue with their vital work."

As well as being joined by members of the public, Bradshaw will also be sleeping out with colleagues Cllr Heather Morris and Cllr Meg Williams. Morris, a long term friend of YMCA Exeter states how, “Even through the difficult times in my childhood I always knew I was loved and I always had a warm bed to sleep in. Not everyone is as fortunate to anything I can do to raise the profile of the charities work, I’m more than happy to do”.

Throughout the evening there will be opportunities to hear current YMCA Exeter resident stories, take part in cardboard shelter competitions and be entertained by local musicians. There are still spaces for you to take part in the sleep out. Please visit www.sleepeasyexeter.org.uk to register and spend the night sleeping rough, so others don’t have to.

To donate to Ben’s fundraising efforts please visit www.justgiving.com/BenBradshawMP

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