AN event which sees people camp out under the stars to raise awareness of homeless is set to take place for its fifth year.

The Arc Big Sleep Out is set to take place on Friday, June 14.

Previously the event has been held at Taunton Football Club, but will take place this year at the back of the charity offices at 7 The Crescent.

Event organiser, Rosie Hather, said: “While sleeping in a car park may not sound appealing, we’re lucky enough to know that it is just for one night.

“While we sleep, we’re changing lives, raising awareness of homelessness and funding the services that support the people who sadly end up on the streets.”

Last year 97 people joined in and they raised £10,792.

The charity’s aim this year is to have even more people taking part.

The idea is participants ask people to sponsor them to sleep outside for the night.

Although the evening will show some of the harsh realities faced by rough sleepers, the key aim is to raise the funds so that no one has to face homelessness. The night is therefore made enjoyable too for the fantastic participants who are giving up their beds for a night!

At the event there is hot food, live music and plenty of socialising. When the night draws in, participants will settle down in sleeping bags and attempt to sleep, with no roof above our heads! The event is suitable for all ages - in previous years the youngest participant has been 4 and the eldest 84!

As well as being an eye opener, the money raised goes a long way towards supporting homeless people in Somerset.

Jody Robertson, who has taken part in the past two sleep outs and will be joining again this year, said: “I joined the Big Sleep Out because I am passionate about the charity and making a difference to the homeless.

“The experience was not like I thought, it’s a huge eye opener and very insightful into what homeless people have been and are going through along with the difference Arc make.

“I would say this is an experience of a life time and will give all involved a strong passion for helping and supporting, along with a sense of achievement personally.”

People can take part in groups, with family, friends or colleagues, bring your children or come alone and meet lots of great people, all there for the same reason – to help the homeless.

To sign up, fill out a registration form along with a small registration fee at arcinspire.co.uk.