A BRIERLEY Hill shopping centre will be hosting a sleep out tomorrow night (Friday March 23) to help support homeless young people.

The YMCA Black Country Group Sleep Easy event will take place at intu Merry Hill from 7pm on Friday until 7am the following morning to help raise awareness of the hundreds of young people who sleep rough every year and to raise funds to help YMCA Black Country Group continue to support residents and young people.

Miss Black Country, Alexandra Darby, will be taking part in the Merry Hill event, one of many taking place across the country, which will include performances from MOBO award nominee and Urban Music Award winning gospel singer Juliette Farrall, who will debut songs from her latest album Nine Fruits.

YMCA Black Country Group has hosted Sleep Easy nights since 2010 and money raised has helped young people and vulnerable adults to move back to family, to take on their own tenancy, or onto university or their own accommodation.

It is hoped this year’s event will raise even more funds as the number of rough sleepers of all ages continues to rise.

Sally Cowan, YMCA Black Country Group chief officer for housing, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting our Sleep Easy event at intu Merry Hill shopping centre as part of the national YMCA Sleep Easy campaign.

“We know from our experience over the past seven years that without the support we offer, many more young people would be sleeping on the streets and have less options and less chance of realising their potential.

"One night out can make a lifetime of difference.

“We hope the local community feels inspired and signs up to take part in our Sleep Easy event or donate.”

Registration for the event costs £10 and participants will spend the night out and take part in fun-filled activities.

To register visit http://www.ymcabc.org.uk/support-your-ymca/fundraising/sleepeasy/