PEOPLE are being urged to sleep rough in Oxford to throw a spotlight on the plight of the city’s homeless.

The 15th Oxford Sleep-Out was launched this week to raise money for those unfortunate enough to live on the streets.

Organisers are looking for people to join them and the city’s Lord Mayor Elise Benjamin in sleeping rough for a night in November.

Michelle Scotland, who works at Simon House, a homeless hostel on Paradise Street, is one of the organisers of the annual event.

She said: “We had about 100 people take part in the Sleep Out last year. This is the first time the Lord Mayor has volunteered to join in.

“The money goes on all sorts of things. Last year we redecorated the dining room and put a TV there. Hostel users also went on a day trip.”

Lesley Dewhurst, of Oxford Homeless Pathways, said: “All of the money will go towards homeless people, not staff costs.”

The Sleep-Out is organised by eight of Oxford’s homeless charities, such as The Gatehouse, Emmaus and the Steppin’ Stone centre.

Money raised which last year totalled £16,000, is split between them.

Elise Benjamin said: “I’ll have a very good sleeping bag and some thermals.

“I would urge people to join in and if they can’t, then to do what they can to support it. All homeless people need help because they are part of our society. Oxford has a long-standing housing problem, I deal with it all the time as a councillor and I know families who are desperately worried about how they are going to pay their rent.”

The event is held in St Clement’s Churchyard over the night of Saturday, November 19.

Maureen Groom, who has been homeless for about a year, said: “Sleeping outdoors is not the hard bit. Finding stuff to do with your day is hard. There is only so much you can do.

“Not everybody who is homeless has drug or alcohol problems.”

She is currently living in O’Hanlon House which is run by Oxford Homless Pathways.

Oxford East MP Andrew Smith is scheduled to make and serve porridge in the morning of the sleep.

Groundsheets are provided, but those taking part will need to bring their own sleeping bags and warm clothes.

To get involved, email contact@oxfordsleepout.org.uk or visit oxfordsleepout.org.uk