Scouts sleep out in boxes to support homelessness

Explorer Scouts from Lincoln braved the elements and slept outside in cardboard boxes this month to support YMCA in helping the homeless.

The group of 14-18-year-old scouts camped out at RAF Waddington and raised £689 and awareness of YMCA Lincolnshire’s work with the homeless – one in five people sleeping rough in England and Wales are aged 16-24.

Youssef, a 15-year-old Explorer Scout, described the experience: “I wanted to do this because a friend of mine has been homeless before and it meant I could help make a difference. It wasn’t cold but with 3 of us cramped in a shelter we made on the hard ground I kept waking all through the night. We did one night and it’s hard to think what it’s like to do every day.”

Julia Tyler, Lincoln District Explorer Lead Volunteer added: “I was really impressed with how engaged the young people were with this event and how important the cause is. 

“The message we wanted to share is that It’s so easy to end up in that situation, and the Explorers took it very seriously. They really engaged with the stories that were shared and I’m really proud of how it went.” 

The ‘Sleep Easy’ campaign is a YMCA national event in which people across the country sleep out for a night to raise funds and awareness for those that are at risk of homelessness and sleeping rough in our communities. 

YMCA Lincolnshire’s event was held at Lincoln Cathedral earlier in March with the funds raised going to supporting the wraparound care, such as counselling, case workers and ensuring the area’s most vulnerable people can feel safe and supported.

“It was lovely to see the Explorers and hear their stories from taking part in their own Sleep Easy event at RAF Waddington. They’ve raised an amazing amount of money and it means so much to us. We’re thankful for every penny and it will go to supporting those that are at risk of homelessness in Lincolnshire,” said Helen Wright, Director of Housing at YMCA Lincolnshire.