THERE'S still time for people to volunteer to spend a night on the streets of Redcar and raise awareness of homelessness.

The Real High Street Sleep Out, which runs from 8pm tomorrow (Saturday 23) to 8am the following morning, is in aid of Coatham House, a Redcar charity which provides safe accommodation for young people in housing need aged 16 to 25.

Natalie King, organiser of the Real High Street Sleep Out said: “I hope that the Sleep Out continues to raise awareness of homelessness and we can reach our target of £10,000. Costs to keep Coatham House running amounts to £6,500 a week, so hitting this target would be a great help to us.”

Volunteers, who must be 18 plus and physically fit, should provide their own sleeping bags and warm clothing but some comforts, including toilets and security, will be provided. Registration is free but participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship.

Joining volunteers on Saturday, Cllr Barry Hunt, ward member for Brotton said: “I’m really looking forward to taking part in the sleep out, as it is for such a worthy cause.

“It won’t be a comfortable night for us but it is a really effective way of getting a glimpse into what some young people could face if they did not receive the help from projects like Coatham House. Hopefully our efforts can raise funds and awareness.”

For more information call Coatham House on 01642 486844 or email redcarsleepout@gmail.com