Freezing nights in a tent: YMCA Cornwall launches Winter Appeal

“I never imagined I’d end up sleeping in a tent.”

That’s how Chris remembers it. Freezing nights, and every one of them spent wondering where he would go next. He now has his own place at YMCA Cornwall, and he says it has changed his life.

His story sits at the heart of the organisation’s Winter Appeal, which launched on Thursday 1 October. The aim is simple enough: keep young people safe, warm and off the streets through the colder months.

The Cornwall you don’t see

Cornwall is known for its coastline and its tourism. YMCA Cornwall wants people to look at a different picture this winter, one that many young people in the county live with every day.

Rising rents, a shortage of affordable housing, higher living costs and limited housing options are leaving many young people across Cornwall at risk of homelessness.

Faye Edwardes, Managing Director of YMCA Cornwall, said: “Cornwall may be a popular holiday destination, but there’s a side of Cornwall that many people don’t see. There are young people facing homelessness, sleeping in unsafe places, sofa surfing or struggling to find somewhere affordable to live.”

📷YMCA Cornwall's Winter Appeal. Credit: YMCA Cornwall

Why winter matters

Faye said the colder months bring extra risk.

“Winter can be particularly difficult and dangerous for young people at risk. Every donation to our Winter Appeal will help provide safe accommodation, practical support and skills that help young people to develop and grow towards independent living.”

Chris knows that first hand. “In winter, it was freezing. Every night I worried about where I was going to go. Having my own place now at YMCA Cornwall has changed my life.”

What a donation could pay for

YMCA Cornwall has set out what different amounts could do for a young person this winter:

• £10 could provide a week’s worth of electricity vouchers
• £25 could give a young person a Christmas present this year
• £35 could buy a slow cooker, giving them warm, home-cooked meals
• £50 could provide a warm set of clothes and new bedding

Money raised will help the organisation keep providing safe housing, support services, practical activities and essential resources for young people who have nowhere else to go. Details of the appeal and how to donate are on the YMCA Cornwall website.

12 Days of Christmas

Alongside the appeal, YMCA Cornwall will run a 12 Days of Christmas programme of fundraising events. The line-up includes:

• A Christmas Quiz
• A Sea Dip
• A Wreath Making Workshop
• A Carol Service
• A Community Carol Singalong
• A Cream Tea
• A Business Networking event

Who YMCA Cornwall supports

YMCA Cornwall works with young people aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across Cornwall.

It has 51 units of accommodation, and each resident gets one-to-one support for two years. There’s skills training and community housing advice too.

And when a young person moves on, the support doesn’t stop at the door. It carries on for up to six months.

📷Chris, who now has his own place at YMCA Cornwall. Credit: YMCA Cornwall