Sleep out for the homeless in Welwyn Hatfield (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Sleep out for the homeless in Welwyn Hatfield

9:20am Sunday 14th November 2010 in Review and YMCA Central Herts Making Space for Life campaign By Alex Lewis

THE YMCA in Welwyn Garden City is appealing for volunteers to brave the winter night and sleep out for the homeless.

The charity is organising simultaneous sleep-outs outside the Howard Centre in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield's Galleria on Saturday, January 29.

Community fundraiser Joanne Hussain said: "Last year over 80 people took part in the Sleep Easy event at the Hatfield Galleria and it raised nearly £15,000.

"We also attracted the support of Camilla Dallerup from Strictly Come Dancing, as well as Holyoaks star Kevin Sacre.

"This year we are hoping to make the Sleep Easy even bigger and better.

“All of our participants are asked to try and gain sponsorship for their efforts.

"Last year’s participants braved temperatures as low as minus five Celsius.

"But the reality is an estimated 500 people sleep rough across the UK every night and regularly experience these conditions.

"With the support of people from across the Welwyn and Hatfield community we can raise funds to support the YMCA, and work together to reduce this number.”

Volunteers, who will sleep under cardboard, will be asked to pay £10 to cover the cost of administration, hot drinks and a hot breakfast.

Anyone interested in sleeping out for the homeless should register online at www.ymcacentralherts.org.uk/sleepeasy or by calling 01707 290717.