Richard Cooper, CEO of Harrogate Homeless Project, said: “While many outsiders may see Harrogate as a prosperous place, the reality is that like any town in this country, it is home to people who do not have a secure home.

“Our purpose as a charity is to provide people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

“We do this via initiatives including the Springboard Day Centre, our No Second Night Out emergency overnight accommodation and our Bower Street hostel.

“The Big Harrogate Sleepout is a great way for us to raise funds to keep these vital projects going as well as raising awareness of the issue of homelessness and insecure accommodation.”

Harrogate Spring Water operation director Ian Swann will also be sleeping out.

Ian said: “We're proud to be supporting the Harrogate Homeless Project , which does such excellent work in the community.

"We’ve previously helped to raise funds for the project via initiatives including sales of festive cocktails around Christmas time so when we heard about the Big Harrogate Sleepout, we knew we had to get involved.

“Homelessness is a pressing issue and events like the Big Harrogate Sleepout allow us to come together with other businesses to make a meaningful difference.”

Richard Cooper added: “We're thrilled to have the support of Harrogate Rugby Club, Harrogate Spring Water and all the other businesses who are taking part in our first Big Harrogate Sleepout.

“This event marks a significant milestone in our efforts to support the homeless and those at risk of homelessness in Harrogate, and we're grateful for the commitment of local businesses and leaders.”

The Big Harrogate Sleepout is an invite-only event, but individuals and businesses can show their support by making monetary donations or providing in-kind contributions.

For more information on how to get involved or to make a donation, go to the Harrogate Homeless Project's website: https://www.harrogate-homeless-project.org.uk/

Mike Cowling, Commercial Chairman of HRUFC will also be joining the sleepout. "I can'r think of a better initiative to help local people who are having a tough time, and I'm proud to be joining the other 25+ Directore and Managers of different businesses in raising awareness and funds for this cause. Also really pleased to have Nick Hancock from Your Harrogate local radio there on the night to run the quiz. If anyone else wants to join us, just go to the link above.

Event schedule:

7 for 7.30pm Arrival and welcome drinks. [Sell raffle tickets] Bar open from 7 – 9.15
8.15pm Invite guests to take their seats We can have a table plan of teams
8.30 Welcome
8.30 - 9.15 Quiz hosted by Nick Hancock, Your Harrogate
9.15 – 9.4 Raffle – draw 5 of 10 prizes

Speech & video from HHP – the impact of your donations

• Raffle - draw remaining prizes
9.45 – 10.15 Quiz answers Swap sheets with next table and score.
10.15 – 10.30 Quiz results and announce winner
10.30 – 11pm Settle down for sleepout

6 – 7.30am Breakfast Tea/coffee bacon/sausage sandwich/veggie sausage hot dog
BREAKFAST ITEMS KINDLY PROVIDED BY ASDA SUPERMARKETS
7.30am Guests depart