Many brave souls are already gearing up to forego their beds for the night to raise money for charity.

Herts Advertiser: People brave the freezing temperatures for a previous SleepoutPeople brave the freezing temperatures for a previous Sleepout (Image: Archant)

The St Albans Abbey sleepout, in its 22nd year, sees people take to grounds to ‘sleep rough’ for the night in order to raise awareness of the homeless.

A group of people from Hightown Housing Association, who support the homeless charity Open Door, have already signed up for the annual event, and will brave the winter elements on December 4.

Open Door is a night shelter and drop in for vulnerable people based in Bricket Road, St Albans.

Lizze Turton, who works for Hightown, will be sleeping rough for the evening alongside four of her co-workers. She said: “You don’t realise how difficult it can be to sleep rough until you actually do it.

“It makes you appreciate what homeless people go through. Open Door is also a charity we all feel very strongly about and we’re hoping to raise as much as we can.”

She continued: “You have to use whatever homeless people would find available to try and keep the cold off overnight. I did manage to get some sleep last year but it’s not easy.”

Over the years the fundraising event has raised £500,000 to help homeless people in the St Albans diocese.

Anyone can join in the event, with a youth group, other organisation, or just with a bunch of friends.

Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent and young people between 12 and 18 year of age must have two responsible adults (DBS checked) staying with them throughout the night.

For more information about the Sleepout click here.

If you wish to sleepout in aid of Open Door, sponsor someone sleeping out, or simply donate to help local homeless people, click here.