SLEAP- less in Leyland

Five young people from Leyland Methodist Church, and minister Rev Gill McBride,spent a Saturday night sleeping out in the centre of Leyland. They joined young people from
two other youth groups in the area, to raise awareness of youth homelessness.
The event was organised by the Leyland charity SLEAP who are celebrating 30 years as a
charity providing supported lodgings for young people who find themselves homeless. One
of SLEAP’s trustees said that the charity hoped it would no longer be needed after 30 years,
but sadly the need is as great as ever.

The United Reformed Church in Leyland kindly offered their grounds in the middle of the
high street, to host the sleep out, which was on one of the coldest nights in January.
Cardboard boxes, wrapped in plastic, were provided for shelter from the rain, but little sleep
was had.

The young people learnt a lot from the experience: facing their worries over their own
warmth and safety, to put themselves in the shoes of others. One of the participants said
that they were really cold and tired the next morning, but they could go to McDonalds for
breakfast and then home for a warm shower, and they were very aware that this is not
something the young people on the streets can do.

Although the event was more to raise awareness than money, the Methodist churches at
Leyland and Midge Hall showed their support of the young people’s endeavours, and
alongside their own sponsorship money, the five young people managed to raise a
staggering £1,241 for SLEAP. Maybe even more surprising was that they said they hope they
can do the sleep out again next year – although perhaps on a warmer night!