FIFTEEN brave young people are to give up their home comforts for the night to help the homeless in Helensburgh.

The Helensburgh and Lomond Youth Forum has organised the Wee Sleep Out, which is due to take place at the Guide Hall on John Street from 8.30pm on Friday, November 23.

The group, who are all aged under 16, will then live their lives through the eyes of a homeless person until 8am the next morning.

The event is a spin-off from the Big Sleep Out, a nationwide event organised by the Social Bite charity, which is taking place in Scotland’s four main cities on Saturday, December 8.

Ruth Cairns, a youth worker with Argyll and Bute Council who oversees the Youth Forum, explained that although designed to be a learning experience, the event is one which excites forum members.

She said: “It is run so that young people under the age of 16 can take part. You have to be 16 or over to take part in the main Big Sleep Out.

“There will be sessions and activities to raise awareness of the barriers that homeless people face, but we will have indoor space as well.

“The young people might not be able to stay out all night, but the ethos is that they are out of their comfort zone and recognise that some people don’t have it as good as them.

“There are 15 people signed up to take part, and that’s our lot. We would probably have more if we were able to.

“I’m not expecting to get any sleep!”

Ruth explained that even the prospect of freezing weather isn’t putting the young people off taking part in the fund-raiser.

But although there will undoubtedly be a fun element, it is all about learning what it is like to live a less fortunate life.

She added: “The young people are really excited about it.

“I think they think they can stay out all night, but after the first hour it could be freezing and raining.

“We’ve received packs through the post, so we will soon be talking to the young people about how to look after themselves.

“This includes making a meal from what you would get in a food parcel, and activities that are designed to make them realise what homeless people go through.

“They will also make Christmas cards to send to a homeless person through Social Bite.”

The young people taking part in the Wee Sleep Out have to make a minimum donation of £5, but other donations are welcome to be made online.

Please visit uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ruthcairns for more information.