BRAVE volunteers are gearing up to take part in a sponsored 'sleep out' to raise much-needed funds for YMCA Warrington's Room at the Inn shelter.

Organisers are hoping to have 75 people taking part in this month's event, which will be held in the garden of Friends Meeting House, off Academy Street.

Those taking part will sleep rough for 12 hours from 9pm on April 29.

They are aiming to raise £5,000 to help maintain the Room at the Inn night shelter service provided for the homeless.

Cllr Amanda King (LAB – Great Sankey South) is among those to have signed up to the event so far.

She said: "The prospect of sleeping outside in the cold with no idea of how you will eat or keep warm the next day must be terrifying.

"Yet so many find themselves in this position and the rise in homelessness over the last few years across the county is a worrying situation.

"Many people are worried that they are only one or two pay cheques away from being homeless.

"Because of rising private rents, reduced social housing and zero-hour contracts, some situations are very serious.

"To really try and experience this you need to get involved and listen to each person's situation.

"The Room at the Inn night shelter has dedicated its time to helping those most in need in our town.

"When I was asked to get involved with the sleep out to raise much-needed funds it was an easy decision.

"Let's never forget those most in need and help raise this much-needed £5,000."

Mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid will be 'opening' the event.

He said: "No one wants to be homeless – it's unfortunate circumstances that make people homeless.

"We as a community have a responsibility to deal with this issue and by taking part in the sleep out people will create awareness of this issue and help the night shelter.

"Although I do believe that one only has to be a genuine human being to understand the suffering of homeless people.

"Please support and take part if you can."

A JustGiving page has been created ahead of the sleep out.

To take part or to find out how to donate head to the YMCA Sponsored Sleep Out Facebook page, or call the Winmarleigh Street charity on 632771.