Volunteers are having one large push to encourage those to take part in this year’s Big Sleep Out on Saturday, November 23.

Taking place at Adams Park after the Wycombe Wanderers’ game with Doncaster Rovers, the Chairboys have teamed up with the Wycombe Homeless Connection as they try and reduce homelessness in the town and the surrounding areas.

On the day, there will also be a quiz and those who complete the whole night will receive a ‘money can’t buy’ prize for those who raise the most sponsorship.

Additionally, those who make it to the morning will be rewarded with hot drinks and a breakfast.

Heather Morley, who is Wycombe Homeless Connection’s communications and fundraising volunteer, revealed to the Bucks Free Press how the event will raise awareness of homelessness in Buckinghamshire, as there are events taking place all over the county, specifically in Chesham and Marlow, as well as Wycombe.

She told the Bucks Free Press: “Wycombe Homeless Connection has started a pilot project to offer a Housing Legal Drop-In service every fortnight, based at Broadway Baptist Church in Chesham town centre.

“This is open between 2pm and 4pm every second Thursday, where homeless people and those who are at risk of it, can drop in to seek advice from legal specialists and trained support workers.”

The Wycombe-based charity has so far helped a total of 11 Chesham households since it started operating the drop-in help sessions in September of this year, with the aim help prevent evictions or to resolve issues so that individuals and families can be re-housed as quickly as possible.

People in housing crisis can either drop in at the next sessions on Thursday, November 21 November, Thursday, December 5 and Thursday, December 19, or call the Wycombe office on 01494 447699.

The charity estimates that the ongoing running costs of providing this service will be around £19,000 per year, to fund staff wages and solicitors’ time.

Heather also revealed how people in Marlow can help those who are struggling with homelessness.

She said: “Marlovians are being encouraged to sign up for the last few spaces to try sleeping rough for one night, to help a local homeless charity deal with record numbers of people accessing their services.

“Wycombe Homeless Connection is holding the Big Marlow Sleepout, in the church yard at All Saints Church, Marlow, on Friday, November 22 and as before, it will be a family event, with children as young as 12 welcomed as well, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult.

“The charity is facing ever-increasing demands for its services and last year, it assisted 539 individuals, which is the highest number recorded in its history.”

For more information about homelessness in Wycombe and the surrounding areas, visit www.wyhoc.org.uk.