The annual St Albans Sleepout is set to return for 2023 at Oaklands College's campus in the city.

The Hatfield Road site will host the inspiring event from 8pm on Friday, November 10.

The Herts Young Homeless fundraiser has been running since the 1990s, with the charity celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

Live music from local artists, workshops and talks from nearby charities will take place throughout the evening.

READ MORE

Jonny Whitehead, chief executive of Herts Young Homeless (HYH), said: “HYH is delighted to once again be organising this heart-warming local event.

"This year the Sleepout is even more poignant for HYH, as the charity marks its 25th anniversary.

"During this time, we have supported over 26,000 young people across Hertfordshire.

Herts Advertiser: Five charities will benefit from the event.Five charities will benefit from the event. (Image: Herts Young Homeless)

"It is amazing to see local businesses, youth groups, friends and family come together and help in the fight against youth homelessness.

“It is an inspiring event to be part of and has a fantastic atmosphere, giving a small insight into what life is like for our young people who have no choice but to rough sleep.

"If homelessness happens early in life, it can set a pattern for the rest of a young person’s life – with 85 per cent of older homeless people first becoming homeless when they were teenagers.

                                                                                     

Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox every week by signing up to our Newsletter

                                                                                     

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, with all the money raised helping us to provide our vital services to break the cycle of youth homelessness, so our young people can lead happy, healthy, and successful lives.”

Open Door, The Living Room, Emmaus and Centre 33 will also receive funds from the event.

Duncan Lewis, chief executive of Emmaus Hertfordshire, added: “We’re delighted to be part of the St Albans Sleepout again this year to increase awareness of homelessness, raise vital funds to end rough sleeping and help us turn around the lives of vulnerable people with a home, work and community support.

“Please support us by taking part in the sponsored sleep-out and get a taste of the challenges homeless people experience night after night, at the mercy of the elements."

Further information can be found at www.stalbanssleepout.org.uk