A TEAM of young people have taken to the streets with their belongings on their backs to raise awareness of homelessness.

The sponsored walk staged in Durham and Newcastle today (Wednesday, July 29) was part of a social action project run by the National Citizens Service team Amicis (Greek for friend).

Tara Cox is activity leader of a team of 13 16-year-olds from the Durham area taking part in a summer programme.

Following a team-building week at Dukeshouse Wood activity centre, in Hexham, and a residential course Sunderland University, the teenagers drew up plans to work with the YMCA and County Durham Foodbank.

Their social action project is to raise awareness about homelessness the plight of the disadvantaged.

Miss Cox said: “The team is fundraising to create care packages full of essential produces for homeless and vulnerable people.

“Today the team walked around with their belongings on their back to show it’s not easy being homeless.”

There are about 3,000 homeless people who are known to “sofa surf” in the Durham area.

Team Amicis has linked up with Morrisons in Chester-le-Street to get surplus stock for their care packages.

Anyone wishing to contribute can do so voa www.gofundme.com/zs944w. The team has also created a Twitter campaign hashtag #morethanjustloosechange.