Sponsored sleep out in Hatfield

30 January 2010, 11:25 | Updated: 1 February 2010, 11:41

Around 100 people will be sleeping under the stars tonight, to highlight the amount of people who sleep rough every day in Welwyn and Hatfield.

It's being organised by YMCA Central Herts, who currently provide accommodation and support services for more than 120 vulnerable people in the area who would otherwise be homeless.

Sally Mayor is the fundraising manager there:

"People often don't realise but in Welwyn and Hatfield we're actually among one of the top 10 boroughs nationwide for the numbers of homeless people. And it can often go unnoticed because it isn't just people sleeping on the streets, it can be people who are sleeping on a friends floor, or sofa surfacing.

I think it will be a challenging night because it will be cold and we will be sleeping outside. But its also meant to be fun and not totally replicate what its like to be homeless but to give us all some small idea what its like to be sleeping outside."

It's taking place at the Galleria in Hatfield from 7pm tonight.

The registration fee is £10 per person which covers entry into the event and hot drinks throughout the night.

Young people under 18 are welcome to take part and must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

If you interested in taking part tonight, you can request a registration form by calling 01707 290717  or email sally.mayor@centralhertsymca.org.uk