PRESS RELEASE | FEBRUARY 2015
The founders of Cheltenham-based social media project @Chelt52 are set to take part in Sleep Easy 2015 in support of Cheltenham YMCA – and will tweet their way through the night to demonstrate the challenges that rough sleepers face.
Sleep Easy, hosted by the YMCA at its Arle Road base on Friday 6th March, invites fundraisers to sleep rough for one night to raise money for the homeless young people the charity works with. Last year, over 40 sleepers took part, raising over £11,000.
Liam McKinnon and Sophie Fryer launched the innovative @Chelt52 project in 2013. The account showcases a different organisation, business, individual or cause each week for a year, portraying the diverse lifestyles that make Cheltenham unique.
The YMCA took part in the inaugural year of @Chelt52, showcasing the charity’s work to the account’s 10,000 followers – and has now approached the pair to take the helm of the charity’s Twitter account for the annual event.
Liam and Sophie explained:
“We were honoured to be asked to tweet for Sleep Easy and raise awareness of such an important cause. It’s going to be a real challenge and by commentating throughout the night on social media, we hope to give a real insight on the event and the reality of homelessness and sleeplessness. We’ve seen through @Chelt52 that Cheltenham has a true community spirit and we hope people are encouraged to donate generously to the YMCA after following an account of the night”.
The event will start at 7.30pm and finish at 7.30am the next day, with participants having the chance to join in team games, competitions and link up with others around the country through Facebook and Twitter.
Sleep Easy organiser Rob Charsley added:
“It’s really exciting to be holding our third annual Sleep Easy this year. We are looking to build on last year’s event and to continue to raise awareness of the growing problem of homelessness in Cheltenham and the devastating effect it can have, particularly on young people”.
Sleep Easy is now in its third year and gives people an experience of sleeping outdoors overnight with little for comfort. Among those taking part this year is Mayor Simon Wheeler. He said:
“By sleeping out at Cheltenham YMCA’s Sleep Easy event we shall be raising the profile of homelessness and, through sponsorship, helping to fund part of the solution. Apart from the serious message, it is also a great night and I would encourage everyone to consider taking part in some way”.
Liam and Sophie’s involvement in Sleep Easy is part of @Chelt52’s wider effort to promote charities across the town through social media. In 2015, the account hosts organisations such as Cheltenham Playhouse (celebrating their 70th anniversary this year); Pretty Bald (baldness through alopecia or cancer) and Sue Ryder.
For more information on Sleep Easy, visit www.cheltenhamymca.com/sleep-easy/ and www.twitter.com/CheltenhamYMCA.
DONATE on Liam and Sophie’s Virgin Money page here.
