Homelessness charity volunteer Georgia Romeril, 27, from High Wycombe, is taking part in Wycombe Homeless Connection’s ‘Big Sleepout’ next month. She writes:

I’ve lived in High Wycombe for three years, but grew up in various towns and villages nearby. Working in the voluntary sector for eight years, I’ve always been aware of my own deepset need to try and make a difference to the world around me. I have always worked for national charities, and recently realised my desire to support people a little closer to home.

I also realised that my evening habit of changing immediately into my PJs, cracking open the digestives and binge watching a TV series was, although enjoyable, becoming dangerously more regular. I’m sure that amongst my twenty-something peers I’m not alone. But I decided that something had to change before the sofa imprint became irreversible.

Last year, a friend mentioned a charity that sheltered and supported local homeless people, and I, like many, was surprised to hear that this need even existed in our town. In London, sure, but here?

After digging a little deeper, I discovered that Wycombe Homeless Connection provides varying levels of support to an incredible 400 people per year, all of whom are either sleeping rough, have no permanent home of their own, or are facing housing crisis.

Many of us are just two pay cheques away from homelessness. This comment struck a chord with me; the terrifying ease with which we could suddenly find ourselves in such a life-shattering situation.

I am by no means wealthy in monetary terms, but growing up with a supportive family and network of loyal friends, I feel rich in support and opportunity. I am extremely lucky to know that help is there when I need it. Perhaps that is why I’ve never moved very far from my roots.

But what if you didn’t have this support to fall back on? The loss of employment or breakdown of a family or relationship could easily be the catalyst that sends even the most comfortable, settled person into the dark world of homelessness. And unfortunately, the help that we would expect isn’t always readily available. And that is why Wycombe Homeless Connection is so important.

My target is ambitious I’ll admit, but I hope to raise £6,000. This would pay for an entire month of the winter night shelter. How fantastic would it be to know that we have given some homeless people the very basic provision of a hot meal and a safe, warm place to sleep? Something that each one of us probably often takes for granted.

There are about 130,000 people living in High Wycombe. Understandably, not everyone has the time to dedicate to volunteering, but even a very small donation can really make all the difference, and it only takes a few minutes of your time. If you like, you can support me here: www.virginmoneygiving.com/georgiar