The Big Sleep Out event, organised by Young Devon, a charity which supports vulnerable young people, is taking place in Princesshay on Thursday, March 7, from 8pm.
The majority of the young people taking part in the Big Sleep Out are graduates from the charity's National Citizen Service programme.
The voluntary programme for 16-year-olds is a flagship Government initiative which aims to promote a more cohesive, responsible and engaged society by bringing young people from different backgrounds together to make a difference in their communities.
The Big Sleep Out event will serve as a continuation of the excellent work that the youngsters have already done in their communities.
By taking to their sleeping bags for the night in the city centre, through sponsorship, the young people will also raise much needed funds to help Young Devon continue supporting hundreds of young people needing emergency, temporary or permanent accommodation.
Last year the charity worked with 2,816 individuals on a variety of housing issues across Devon – 568 went straight in to Young Devon's Supportive Housing Projects.
During that time charity staff gave 8,885 advice sessions to young people about housing issues.
Young Devon also received 1,012 referrals from outside agencies needing its specialist support.
Jane Hooper, projects coordinator at Young Devon, said: "The work that Young Devon does to help support young people across the county, to find accommodation when they are at risk at being, or are indeed homeless is invaluable.
"As a charity it is often hard for us to continue to do the work that we do and so fundraising events like the Big Sleep Out are so important."
For more information about how you can get involved, contact Jane by emailing, jane.hooper@youngdevon.org or visit, www.youngdevon.org
