Dinnington: Sign up and sleep rough for charity

The Big Sleepout event returns to the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield on Friday 4th October, The Core in Barnsley on Friday 11th October and Parkgate Shopping Centre in Rotherham on Friday 18th October.

The event aims to give participants an insight into what it could be like for the many thousands of young runaways who find themselves sleeping rough.

Those taking part forgo comforts for the night as they are only allowed basic items to keep warm like a sleeping bag and cardboard box.

Since the first Big Sleepout in 2007, more than 1,000 people have taken part and slept rough for one night, raising over £70,000 for the estimated 4,000 children and young people in South Yorkshire that run away from home each year.

This year the charity hopes to have more people than ever before taking part and is urging those who haven’t already to sign up.

Tracy Haycox, Safe@Last director of children and young people’s services said: “We’re pleased to be returning for the Big Sleepout which is a very important event in our calendar, both in terms of fundraising and awareness raising.”

“It’s an opportunity for our supporters to experience just a flavour of the feelings and emotions a young runaway may face.”

“We know that running away is often a symptom of another problem in a young person’s life and we offer a range of services include a young person’s helpline where they can turn for information, advice and guidance.”

People wishing to sign up for any of the events can do so by contacting Safe@Last on 01909 566977 or visiting www.thebigsleepout.co.uk

The Rotherham Parkgate sleepout is from 8pm on Friday 18th October until 6am on Saturday 19th October 2013.

The event location is in the car park in front of Marks & Spencer at Parkgate Shopping Centre, Worksop Road, Sheffield. S9 3TL. Participants should arrive and check in between 8pm - 9pm.