THINK you could spend a night sleeping under the stars to experience what it is like to be homeless and help raise money for a Taunton-based charity?

The Taunton Association for the Homeless (TAH) is once again holding The Big Sleep Out and is looking for sponsored volunteers to sleep outside for one night.

In doing so, you’ll be raising valuable funds and awareness for those that are homeless in the community.

This is the third time the event has been organised, and this year it is planned to take place on Friday, June 9 at the Viridor Stadium - home of Taunton Town Football Club - in Wordsworth Drive.

More than £14,000 was raised from the previous two events.

Last year saw more than 50 people take part, including County Gazette reporter Oliver Palmen.

And Rosie Hather, fundraising and communications officer for TAH, said she hoped the people of Somerset would once again unite to make this year’s event another success.

“The Big Sleep Out has become an annual event and is such an important and great way of raising vital awareness and funds for those who have found themselves homeless in our community,” she said.

“Although a night sleeping outside may not sound like much fun, it is important to remember that is for just one night and we can get up, go home, have a hot shower and climb into our comfy beds - rough sleepers do not have that choice.

“This year, the money raised will help fund the work of our Outreach Team, who work closely to support rough sleepers, to ensure they are safe, well and know about the services they can access.

“This is a vital service that we must keep going.

“We’d love to have your support, so please join us for a night under the stars on Friday, June 9 - let’s make it even bigger and better than the last two years.”

People wishing to take part can turn up from 6.30pm and the event will finish at 9am the following morning, after a hard-earned breakfast.

All are welcome to take part - with those under 16 welcome as long as they are accompanied by a guardian.

In previous years, the youngest participant has been five and the eldest has been 85.

Everyone will have a fresh piece of cardboard to sleep on and a welcome pack, complete with a few things to help throughout the night.

There will be toilets on site and first aid support and security throughout the event.

The night will start with live music and a barbecue and there will be hot drinks available throughout the night.

For more information, or for a registration form, contact Rosie on 01823 271326 or email rhather@tahltd.co.uk.

You can also find out more information and obtain a registration form by logging on to tah.org.uk/support-us/the-big-sleep-out.