I’m fortunate enough to live in Liverpool City Centre but with everything that’s great about it, comes the constant sight of homeless people living in conditions fit for nobody. It's absolutely heartbreaking.

I was made aware of the Whitechapel Centre almost a decade ago and have followed news of the fantastic work they do for our city’s homeless. But it soon became evident that they do more than put a roof over someone’s head for a night. They also help those who are at risk of being made homeless, those in need of housing support as well as providing education and courses to help give those less fortunate the skills to improve their lives. This was a humbling but extraordinary experience over the last few years, so I wanted to use this event again as an opportunity to raise as much as possible by taking part in the Sleepout.

It’s in no way going to be like a true homeless experience, but I’ll be taking no food, drink or warm clothes and will just use a basic sleeping bag to help understand for one night what those less fortunate than me go through every day in every conceivable weather condition. The event is more a way to collectively raise awareness and hopefully raise a solid amount to put into the centre, who’ll put that straight back into the community.

Thanks for reading; anything that you’re able to spare will be really appreciated and will help make a huge difference to the lives of those who really need it.