Staffordshire and Cheshire residents are being asked to abandon their homes for one night to take part in the annual Arch charity Mega Sleep Out.

Hundreds of people are expected to take part in the annual event which raises funds and awareness of homelessness.

A midnight walk has also been organised by Arch as part of the Mega Sleep Out on 31 January.

Despite the potential for freezing January night time temperatures, the Arch annual sleep out has grown in size in recent years.

Residents and company teams are sponsored to raise funds to help homeless people.

The date is chosen to coincide with National Homelessness Week which runs from 25 January to 2 February.

“It is a big ask to get people to forsake their centrally heated home to sleep out on a cold January night but we know from previous years that the public of Staffordshire and Cheshire will respond,” said Ray Elks, Corporate and Community Fundraiser for Arch.

“The Mega Sleep Out and Midnight Walk helps Arch to raise the money we need to support people in housing crisis.

“In these tough economic times more people are facing financial difficulties, people have lost their jobs and even their homes.”

The Mega Sleep Out will take part at venues across Staffordshire and Cheshire. A route for the midnight walk will be announced in the next few weeks.

ENDS 

For media enquiries please contact Mark Brookes on 01782 743867

Notes to editors:

Arch North Staffs is part of the Staffordshire Housing Group. Arch provides accommodation and support to people in need, including survivors of domestic violence, people in housing need and young people leaving care.