PARTICIPANTS in a sleep out to highlight the plight of the Hampshire homeless will be hoping the mild autumn weather lasts a few days longer.

Homelessness charity, the Society of St James (SSJ), have found that plenty of people are prepared to swap their beds for a sleeping bag in the Southampton Sleep Out.

SSJ is one of several in the UK supporting the End Youth Homelessness initiative which will see sleep outs held at various locations next Thursday (November 12).

More than 60 will take part in Southampton’s Sleep Out, in the grounds of St Mary’s Church, which will be opened by the city’s mayor, Linda Norris. Award-winning local comedian Colin Owens is hosting the evening, with music from local acts including the Southampton Ukulele Jam and The Sea Slugs.

The Sikh Council of Hampshire will be serving an evening meal and the Mercure Dolphin Hotel are providing a warm breakfast the next morning. Local business Ahmad Tea have also donated tea for the evening and Southampton Cargo Handling Company and Williams Shipping are also sponsoring the event.

Sam Bax, from the SSJ fundraising team says: “By taking part in this challenge, people from the local community are demonstrating that they care for, and want to help, some of our most vulnerable; young people who are homeless. Sleep Out does not claim to replicate homelessness in any way, but does aim to raise awareness and funds for our work with the vulnerable group, so that we can enable young people to build the brighter futures they deserve.”

The charity still has some spaces available. Participants pay £25 to register and aim to raise a minimum £250 in sponsorship. To register go to ssj.org.uk/sleepout.