PICTURES - volunteers ditch their warm cosy beds to see what it's really like sleeping out in Wellingborough

The centre in High Street supports people in and around Wellingborough who find themselves facing homelessness, poverty and social exclusion.

Earlier this month, a number of staff as well as volunteers and supporters swapped their nice, warm homes for a night under the stars to try and experience what life is actually like for those who are rough sleeping.

The aim of the event was to raise awareness of the difficulties faced by homeless people on a daily basis as well as raise money to support the centre’s Community Hub and foodbank.

Sarah Heighton, operations manager for the Daylight Centre, said it went well, but added: “It was cold, noisy and uncomfortable.

"I didn’t get a wink of sleep, I don’t know how people do it every night.”

Those who took part were out from around 8pm on the Friday evening and did not return to their loved ones and their creature comforts until the following morning.

The sleep-out is an annual event for the Daylight Centre, with all money raised by it going towards the running costs of the centre’s Community Hub and foodbank.

The pictures below give a taste of what the volunteers faced during their sleep-out.

Anyone who would like to make a donation for their efforts can still do so via the fundraising page.