I WAS one of the "brave souls" who slept out on Friday night with a group of 20 people including BYPHS chief executive Maura Jackson and Cllr Mudasir Dean to raise much-needed cash and raise awareness of being homeless in our town.

It certainly gave me an insight into what it felt like to sleep on the streets without a warm, comfortable bed, heating and a roof over my head and the risks of sleeping rough that can make people vulnerable and unsafe.

The cold night air certainly gets to you and the temperature steadily dropped throughout our time outside making it very difficult to settle, feel comfortable and get to sleep.

The volunteers helped to raise more than £ 5,000 for Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme — a most vital charity in our town that helps to support young people who through many difficult and personal reasons find themselves homeless and having to live on the streets.

I was glad to meet on the night some of the people who BYPHS is supporting to better their lives and listen to their stories and it was pleasing to hear that the charity's hard work in providing supported accommodation is helping those less fortunate than us.

I would encourage people to take time to look at BYPHS maybe on the web pages, via phone or email and see the tremendous work it does — and if possible support and donate to them to help Maura and her dedicated team in continuing to keep our fellow Bolton family off the streets.

Kevin Morris

Blackburn Road

Astley Bridge