Dozens to sleep rough to help town's homeless

An annual sleep out is returning to Grimsby to raise money for a homeless charity.

The Great Grimsby Sleep Out will take place on 7 February, with funds going to Harbour Place.

Dozens of volunteers will spend a chilly night sleeping rough in the West Wing car park at Freshney Place, using cardboard to build shelters.

It is understood senior leaders from North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) will be among those taking part.

Harbour Place provides a day centre with short-stay rooms for those who have been sleeping rough in North East Lincolnshire.

Every person who attends the centre is offered a shower, hot meal and clean clothes.

The event takes place between 19:00 and 06:00 GMT.

Jessica Burnette, Harbour Place's community engagement officer, said: "All the money raised will go directly towards Harbour Place services and will support us to accomplish our mission, which ultimately is to end homelessness.

"This year, we are set to have over 80 participants.

"It is great to see so many new and regular people getting involved in this significant event."

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