Dozens of people slept in the cold to help raise money and awareness of homelessness.

The Big Sleep Out returned to Worcester on Friday, with over 60 people spending the night at Sixways stadium.

So far, £11,300 has been raised for three local charities – St Paul’s Hostel, Maggs Day Centre, and the Worcester Warriors Foundation.

Among those in attendance was the mayor of Worcester, councillor Adrian Gregson.

He said: “I am really pleased to be supporting this venture.

“I think the Sleep Out is fantastic.

“It raises money, it raises awareness and makes people understand that homelessness is just around the corner for many of us.

“We shouldn’t be judging people for their homelessness, we should be seeing how we can assist and how we can help people drive forward."

Worcester News:

Fellow Worcester city councillor Karen Lewing added: “Coming out of council meetings at the Guildhall I see people sleeping in doorways of shops and it fills my heart with sadness.

“I just wish we could do more.

“The charities in Worcester do so much and they need all the help we can give them.”

The Big Sleep Out has taken place in Worcester twice before.

Between those years, over £55,000 was raised.

All of the money raised will be split equally between Maggs, St Pauls, and Warriors Community Foundation.

Worcester News: Participants at this year's Big Sleep Out WorcesterParticipants at this year's Big Sleep Out Worcester (Image: Participants at this year's Big Sleep Out Worcester)

Michael Hudson, director of finance at Worcestershire County Council, had his own personal reason for taking part in this year’s Sleep Out, on Friday October 14.

“When I was 36 I got divorced and lived two months in the back of a car,” he said.

“Homelessness and rough sleeping can happen to anybody."

The Bishop of Worcester, Dr John Inge, also took part.

He said: "Joining the Big Sleep Out was an opportunity to remind myself of the privations suffered by the homeless.

 

“It enables me to focus my prayers and, at the same time, raise funds for three charities who do so much for some of the most vulnerable in our community."

"These people need your support because actually getting out of this position and being able to retain mental health and well-being is so important."