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

The fairly mild November that we’ve been experiencing has definitely lulled me into a false sence of security. That is, until about a week ago when the temperature started to drop and I began to worry about spending an entire night outside. So why am I doing it?

More people are sleeping rough across the UK. Many of us understand that some people will find it easier to get help than others, for example women with children, or the elderly. But those not regarded as ‘in priority need’, often single adults, will struggle to qualify for council help.

People like Mick. Following a divorce, Mick sold his house, and went abroad to make a fresh start. Unfortunately, he fell victim to a scam which left him only enough money to get home and spend a few nights in a B&B. Worse, although Mick had lived in High Wycombe for many years, his absence abroad for a few months meant he no longer qualified for council help. Fortunately, Wycombe Homeless Connection’s night shelter was open and Mick took a place there. Later, WHC was able to help him find suitable accommodation.

If someone cannot obtain help from the local authority, they must find a way to raise money for a deposit and one month’s advance rent, which is not always easy. If you have lost your job, and your home, the chances are you’ll be stuck in a scary catch 22 situation if left to deal with it on your own.

With a shortage of affordable housing, cuts to benefits, and reduced funding for hostels, the homeless crisis may worsen over the coming years. Charities like Wycombe Homeless Connection are part of the solution, so we need to help them to continue their work.

The Big Sleepout will start at 9pm on Friday in All Saints Churchyard, when I’ll meet all of the other amazing people taking part to support this wonderful cause. We’re encouraged to wear multiple layers and bring a warm sleeping bag as well as something waterproof in case it rains. There will be a competition to see who can build the best shelter. My cardboard boxes are ready to go, although I am still pondering the design of my temporary home!

This event could never fully be like sleeping rough; the charity has a responsibility to keep participants safe. However, once the event is over and we’re all making our way back to our safe homes and warm beds, I’m sure it will really hit home how awful it must be to experience the lack of security and comfort that homeless people face each day.

I must say, I feel honoured to live in a town so full to the brim of community spirit and dedication to help others. And I am so grateful to everybody who has donated via my fundraising page so far – to all my family and friends, and particularly to the strangers who have sponsored me out of the kindness of their hearts.

If you haven’t already, please do think about donating. Sponsor me, sponsor one of the other brave people taking part in the sleepout, or simply text a tenner by sending WYHC44 £10 to 70070. Or you could even go that extra step and sign up to volunteer at the Wycombe Winter Night Shelter which starts in January!

None of us knows what will happen to us in the future. Single events can turn entire lives upside down: the loss of job, a divorce, an eviction. I, for one, am glad that people such as Wycombe Homeless Connection would be there to shine a light if ever I was in such a dark place. Ultimately, we’re all neighbours, and we are all responsible for each other. Please help however you can.