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

The temperature is dropping. Flip flops are a thing of the past. We’re swapping salads for warming bowls of soup.

Cosy coats and woolly hats are emerging from their dark, dusty hiding places. Christmas adverts have begun to invade our televisions. And the very worst time of year for homeless people is looming.

To me, winter is a time for hibernating. It is certainly not a time for sleeping outside, in a churchyard, all night, with a group of people I’ve never met before.

However, on 20th November, that is exactly what I will be doing, as part of Wycombe Homeless Connection’s Big Sleepout.

But at least I will be safe, and at least it will be for one night only. For those doing it every night, with no choice, it is anything but safe. It is cold, and scary.

One person said: "It was shattering: lonely, cold, wet, depressing, suicidal. One of the truly awful events of my life."

I wanted to know more, and here’s what I have found out. Homelessness can worsen ongoing mental or physical health issues, can exacerbate or even cause substance misuse, and ultimately, is dangerous.

Those with no home are three times more likely to die as a result of a traffic accident or fall, and are nine times more likely to commit suicide. The average age of death for homeless people is just 47.

On any given night, it is estimated that around 2,750 people sleep rough in England. In High Wycombe, where the population sits at around 130,000, approximately 56 people were recorded as sleeping rough last year.

And this doesn’t include the many, many more who are experiencing homelessness or facing eviction.

It is difficult not to wonder exactly why these people are sleeping on the streets or on friends’ sofas. Where are their homes? Did they bring this situation upon themselves? Do they really need our help?

Generally, homelessness is the result of a mixture of factors. Common problems include mental health issues or substance misuse.

But just as common, and probably easier to relate to, is job loss, the breakdown of a relationship, or the end of an assured shorthold tenancy. The prevalent housing crisis means that eviction rates now are higher than ever.

Even those with supportive friends or family are at risk: homelessness puts serious strain on people’s personal relationships, so sleeping on a friend or family member’s sofa is often short lived.

Most homeless people are grateful for any help that they can get. Finding work and accommodation can be extremely difficult and confusing, and the feeling of being alone can be paralysing.

The charity offers practical advice to help people communicate with landlords, understand their benefits options, search for work, develop their literacy or computer skills, or connect with other agencies for further support, enabling them to rebuild their lives piece by piece.

And most importantly, they offer the feeling of security and support; the knowledge that somebody, somewhere, is there to help.

One guest of Wycombe Homeless Connection said: "Without the help and support from WHC's volunteers and dedicated staff, I would not have been able to restart my life after so many years of turmoil."

I’d like to say a huge thank you to everybody who has sponsored me so far. With a couple of weeks to go, we can still raise more for this incredible charity. Sponsor me, even just a little bit, at www.virginmoneygiving.com/georgiar. Thank you!