A GIANT outdoor sleepover is returning to Grimsby – and you can help raise cash for homeless people by taking part.
The annual YMCA Sleep Easy event will take place next month, aiming to raise awareness of homelessness among young people.
Last year, the Grimsby Telegraph joined around 100 others to sleep rough within the grounds of Shoreline Housing Partnership, in Osborne Street, Grimsby.
And on Friday, February 1, people will be armed with cardboard, sleeping bags and blankets to do it all over again.
Registration is now open for anyone wanting to sign up and take part in this year's challenge, which will start at 6pm and finish 12 hours later at 6am.
Organisers say the event will give people a snippet of what life is really like for those living homeless across the country.
Tony Bramley, chief executive of Shoreline Housing, which is hosting the event, said: "As the area's largest social housing provider, we are aware that homelessness is a growing problem and that it can happen to anyone.
"Many individuals find accommodation with us after experiencing hostel life and we know how difficult it can be for young people to get a home of their own. An event like this helps to give us a real understanding of the conditions that homeless people face every day."
Last year the Humber YMCA region raised a total of £28,000 which was put towards research and finding solutions to tackle homelessness.
This year, organisers hope to exceed this amount and the money will be split four ways – between Harbour Place, CARE, Doorstep and YMCA.
Sarah Taylor, general manager for CARE North East Lincolnshire, said: "The money donated to CARE raised through this event will be put towards our daily bread food larder, which is run in partnership with North East Lincolnshire Churches Together.
"The food larder provides emergency food parcels to those in need in the local community and the need for this project continues to rise dramatically."
To take part in Sleep Easy, visit www.sleepeasy.gcymca.com
