An opportunity to raise awareness and money for homelessness charities in the area during the winter months will be taking place this week.

On Friday, December 4, the annual St Albans Abbey Sleepout will be taking place and among the expected 400 people taking part will be St Albans Mayor Salih Gaygusuz and the Mayoress Maureen Gaygusuz.

They will be raising sponsorship for Open Door in St Albans, which provides a night shelter and drop-in centre that gives support and advice to the homeless in the city.

Now that winter is approaching, Open Door is preparing to provide extra beds and evening meals to ensure the homeless have somewhere warm to stay when the temperature falls below zero.

Every penny raised for the Open Door Charity at the Sleepout helps support these valuable services.

Cllr Gaygusuz said: “The Abbey Sleepout is a unique opportunity to get a small insight into what it must be like to be homeless at this time of year, whilst raising funds to help those who need it most.

“As patron of the Open Door charity this year, I am very proud to take part in this event and ask everyone to consider sponsoring someone for this very good cause.”

Lindsey McLeod, Treasurer of the Open Door Charity, said: “Last year, our supporters at the Sleepout raised a fantastic £6,000 for Open Door.

“We are so grateful to those who give up their warm beds for the night to raise money to help those who have no home to go to.”

The sleepout is taking place between 9pm and 7am and will raise funds for homelessness charities including Centre 33, Emmaus and Open Door.

Anyone can join the event, as an individual or with an organisation.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parents and young people between 12 and 18 must have two responsible adults staying with them throughout the night.

For more information on the sleepout and the charities it supports, visit www.abbeysleepout.org.