HOMELESS charity Threshold is inviting volunteers to take part in their annual sleepout and experience what it is like to spend a night on the streets.

Dozens of people are expected to gather at the Immanuel United Reform Church in Upham Road on December 5 to take part in the sponsored sleep-out, which helps to raise funds for the charity’s frontline services to support Swindon’s homeless.

Last year, the event raised more than £10,000 for the charity, which funded the Street Outreach Team who work to engage homeless people on the streets and help them to find a home, and provide access to health care and other support services.

Simon Bennett, income generation officer at Threshold, said: “It’s a really important event because it helps to raise money for our Street Outreach Team and it’s also an opportunity to raise awareness of homelessness and for people to see what it’s like to be homeless.

“Obviously it is only for one night and cannot be exactly like what it’s like to be on the streets but it helps to give people an idea.

“We have always held the sleepout in December because it’s the time of year when people really think about homelessness. The nights get longer and there is more inclement weather.

“We also have more people seeking emergency accommodation.”

Anyone can take part in the event – individuals, groups, colleagues and even families – and this year Threshold is also inviting local churches, community organisations, schools, colleges and businesses to nominate at least one person to participate and represent their organisation.

There will be food and drink facilities on hand during the night, as well as support from the team at Threshold in order to ensure that participants stay safe and secure.

Cher Sawyer-Smith, the CEO at Threshold, said: “This is a very important annual event for Threshold not only in terms of fundraising but also because it makes people more aware of our services and the great need for them for those local people who are unfortunate enough to become homeless.

“By sleeping out our supporters gain a better understanding of the reality faced by some homeless people each night in Swindon.”

Contact Threshold on 01793 524661, email simon.bennett@thl.org.uk or visit www.thl.org.uk/get-involved/events.