TWO more people have been granted a reprieve from a life on the streets thanks to the kindness of people in Worcester.

More than 30 people helped raise £3,268 by bedding down in the Cathedral Plaza shopping centre for night for Worcester YMCA’s Sleep Easy challenge in March.

The money has already been put to good use and has helped develop two safe pads for the use of vulnerable homeless people who have no secure accommodation.

Since the safe pads became available last week at the YMCA in St John’s, both rooms have been put into use as a short stay option for homeless people while other accommodation options are looked into.

The occupants have a room of their own in safe and secure surroundings, as well as access to the facilities available to the longer term residents of the YMCA.

Efforts are also made to ensure the physical and emotional well-being of vulnerable people during their stay in the safe pad, with YMCA Worcester offering a complete assessment of the person’s housing and welfare needs.

The Henwick Road centre is now in the process of developing four more safe pads thanks to other streams of funding.

Kathy Whittall, from YMCA Worcester, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the people who spent the night out in the cold and rain to raise the awareness of the homeless in Worcester.

“As a result of their one night of sleeping uncomfortably, the YMCA Worcester has been able to provide two safe secure places for those in need.

“Nationally, participating YMCAs raised £175,000 as a result of the Sleep Easy event.”