VOLUNTEERS are needed to take part in a charity sleepout which returns next month.

Supported Housing for Young People Project (SHYPP) is holding its third annual sleepout on Friday October 5 to help raise money to support young homeless people across the county.

Over £16,000 has been raised by the previous two sleepouts.

Catherine Collis, from WM Housing Group which SHYPP is part of, said: “The sleepout will involve a number of our staff and other volunteers sleeping rough for the night to raise funds for our floating support services, whilst also raising awareness of rural homelessness amongst 16-25 year olds."

She added: “The money raised has been invaluable to SHYPP as it has allowed us to provide a range of support services to get young people off the streets or sofa surfing and has also enabled us to provide several successful projects and events to help them build their confidence and realise their full potential.”

Sadie, a young person who has benefitted from the services SHYPP provides, said: "SHYPP help young people to grow and I was no exception. I have had the opportunity to explore my creativity in a way I would never have done before, e.g. through blacksmithing and performing my own writing. This has given me my confidence back, something I thought I had lost. Thank you SHYPP, I am very grateful to you all; for providing the help, support and opportunities that we all get.”

To sponsor the event or to sign up to take part in the sleepout, email SHYPP on info@shypp.co.uk.