IGNORE the plummeting temperatures - there is still time to sign up to take part in homeless charity Threshold’s annual sleep-out.

More than 20 people have already registered to take part in the challenge on December 5 to experience what it is like to spend a night on the streets and help raise money for the charity’s frontline services to support Swindon’s homeless.

Last year scores of people flocked to the Immanuel United Reform Church in Upham Road.

They helped to raise more than £10,000 for the charity and support 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: “I have been checking the long-term forecast and it’s predicting that it will be dry and fairly warm for the time of year at around seven or eight degrees on the night. Of course it will feel autumnal and we do urge people taking part to be fully prepared.

“If the weather is really bad or wet we will have shelter on hand, but last year it was a fairly mild winter and everybody slept out.

“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’re not looking to recreate the experience exactly but it helps to raise awareness about what it might be like.

“It can also be a lot of fun and there’s usually a great sense of camaraderie, and people can meet others who they might not meet in any other circumstance.”

With winter well and truly on the way it has never been more important for some of the towns most vulnerable people to receive the support they need.

Simon said: “We have always held the sleep-out in December because it’s the time of year when people really think about homelessness. The nights get longer and there is more inclement.

“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.

Every participant will also be rewarded with a hot breakfast on the morning of December 6.

For more information or to sign up, call Threshold on 01793 524661, email simon.bennett@thl.org.uk or visit www.thl.org.uk/get-involved/events.