A YOUTH homelessness charity is asking people to spend a night on the streets instead of under the sheets for a ‘sleep out’ fundraising event.

The fundraiser will see local businesses and residents sleeping rough at Oakwell to raise money and awareness for the charity Centrepoint.

Centrepoint provides accommodation and support to more than 60 young homeless people every day in Barnsley, to help them move into education or employment and to deal with mental or physical health problems.

Proceeds from the event will fund sports programmes for homeless people in Barnsley, which will be delivered by Centrepoint and Barnsley FC.

Last year, the event saw around 100 sleepers raise more than £30,000.

Centrepoint’s senior fundraising officer Chloe Sykes, said: “It would be impossible for us to replicate the reality of homelessness but we hope that those taking part in Sleep Out will broaden their understanding of the challenges involved such as sleeping on the floor, facing the cold and getting through the next day with very little sleep.

“While the event only offers a glimpse in to the struggles of being homeless, the money raised will have a huge impact on those who unfortunately find homelessness as their reality.

“It will help to support vulnerable young people to gain the skills and confidence they need to move on in to education, work and a home.”

The event on Thursday November 8 is sponsored by XPO Logistics and ASOS’ charity arm, the ASOS Foundation.

Ken Perritt, account director for XPO Logistics, said: “We’re committed to supporting the communities where we live and work, and helping those less fortunate.

“We’re proud to sponsor Centrepoint’s initiative and have colleagues taking part in this event, it’s a great way to be ambassadors of our values.”

Louise McCabe, director of corporate responsibility at ASOS, said: “We’re pleased to be continuing our sponsorship of the Centrepoint Sleep Out in Barnsley after the huge success of last year.

“We’re looking forward to taking part ourselves and showing our support to Centrepoint which does such an important job in helping vulnerable people in Barnsley and the surrounding area.”