BACKUP volunteers spend a night on the streets to raise money and awareness

Chairman of BACKUP, Maura Jackson, was joined by 22 supporters to sleep rough in a car park under |Orlando Bridge.

"It's the third year we have done this and we raised £12,000 in sponsorhisp," said Ms Jackson.

"It was cold, wet and uncomfortable even though we had plastic sheeting over our sleeping bags, but we were under no illusion that what we experienced was comparable to what real rough sleepers experience.

"We had access to food and toilets and because there was a big group of us we didn't have that same sense of fear and vulnerability.

"Compared to genuine rough sleepers, it was luxury.

"It was hard enough doing it for one night so doing it night after night doesn't bear thinking about."

To keep spirits up, and to help pass the time, there was a quiz and singer and guitarist Dharma Anders performed some of her own compositions.

"Dharma really cheered us up and she was so impressed by what we were doing that she has already signed-up to sleep rough with us next year," said Ms Jackson.

"There was a strong sense of camaraderie and a feeling that we were all in it together."

"Of course, actual rough sleepers tend to be alone, which only adds to the challenges they face."

The money raised from the sleep-out will be used for the charity's Plan B project.

This is a service designed to provide very short stay emergency accommodation for 18 year olds who have 'burned their bridges' with Backup or other housing services. The aim is to prevent rough sleeping and reduce harm.

BACKUP, which was formerly known as Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, provides temporary supported accommodation to people aged 16-25 in Bolton.

It supports young people who are homeless with support needs by offering accommodation, and emotional and practical help with the aim of enabling independent living.

To find out more about the work it does, or to learn how you can help support it, please visit mail@backup-charity.org.uk