PEOPLE are being asked to spend a night sleeping under the stars to raise funds for a Taunton homeless charity.

Arc's annual Big Sleep Out, which aims to make a difference to people experiencing homelessness locally, returns to the town on Friday, June 9.

Participants get sponsored to spend the night sleeping out, with money raised going to Arc.

Arc's Rosie Hather said: "The funds raised directly contribute towards changing the lives of people suffering with homelessness locally, by supporting Arc's work and ensuring they can provide the services needed.

"Sadly, homelessness is rising and so as a community we need to rally together and show those struggling that we're here."

Those taking part can choose from an in-person or virtual event.

The in-person Big Sleep Out is held in Arc’s car park at The Crescent, Taunton, with live music, hot food and socialising before settling into sleeping bags for the night.

If you choose the virtual option, you can sleep out at home or any other location of your choice and join a live stream of the event.

Rosie added: "Whilst the Big Sleep Out shows some of the harsh realities of homelessness, it does not intend to replicate rough sleeping and so the event is safe and suitable for everyone to take part."

You can take part on your own or as a group of friends, family or colleagues.

To sign up, simply fill out a registration form online which can be found at www.arcinspire.co.uk/bigsleepout2023.

There is a £5 registration fee per participant. Once registered, you'll receive an information pack and sponsorship details so you can begin your fundraising.

If you'd like more details, contact Rosie at rhather@arcinspire.co.uk or phone 07736043403.

If you can’t take part but would like to donate towards the cause, you can do so at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/tauntonsleepout