PEOPLE in Southampton are being asked to swap their cosy beds for a sleeping bag to help the homeless.

Hampshire charity the Society of St James is joining forces with other charities across the UK to launch a new fundraising initiative.

Their aim is to support young people living on the streets with the End Youth Homelessness campaign.

And to start it all, people are invited to take part in the Southampton Sleep Out in November.

It will be a night filled with entertainment, including performances from the Southampton Ukulele Jam and Ken Wood and the Mixers, before participants bed down on a cold, hard floor and experience the discomfort of trying to sleep outdoors in early winter.

Hannah Stewart, from the Society of St James, said: “By taking part in this challenge, people can show their support for homeless young people in our local community. Sleep Out does not claim to replicate homelessness in any way, but aims to raise awareness and funds so that we can enable young people to build brighter futures.”

The Sleep Out will happen in the Guildhall Square, Southampton, on Thursday, November 6, from 7pm to 7am.

Participants pay £25 to register and commit to raising a further £250 in sponsorship.

To register, visit ssj.org.uk/sleep-out.