The Skills Academy in Billingham will play host to the latest ‘Big Sleepout’ in an attempt to raise money and awareness for those suffering from poverty and homelessness.

The event taking place at the Billingham college will be held across the night of November 12 and will see a host of staff and students sleep rough to raise money for Centre Point, a charity who support homeless young people across the UK.

Organiser and Manager of the Skills Academy, Lorna McLean, said: “The event is a fantastic way of engaging our community and raising awareness for a cause that affects so many young people.”

“There are several sleepouts running, including one at the Stadium of Light, however, we are running our own local version at the Skills Academy to raise awareness within our own community of young people and their parents of this issue.

She added: “It will allow our students to see how they can contribute to making our community a better and safer place.”

The event will attempt to show students, family and the wider community some of the hardships faced by the homeless while also offering a bit of fun for those involved.

Lorna added: “We’re also going to have a bit of a laugh and play some team-building games, so it’s not all serious stuff during the event!”

All the funds raised will go to a charity. Centre Point, a Durham-based charity offers support and care for young people affected by homelessness. Last year the charity helped 8400 young people in the North-East and London with housing issues and has also helped with their education and health issues, all arising from being homeless.

The college, based off Marsh House Avenue, will play host to the event.

If you want to show your support or get involved, visit the Skills Academy facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/events/898728220204121/