A FUNDRAISING challenge designed to give an idea of what it is like to sleep rough has been organised for later this month. 

Christmas Sleepout on the Beach’s organisers have said the one night starting at 9pm on Saturday, November 16 doesn’t replicate what it’s like to sleep rough. 

But rather it will help others get a better understanding of the situation a lot of young people find themselves in while supporting those who rough sleeping is a reality. 

Taking place at SOBO Beach, the event has its own Facebook page and a JustGiving page to donate – so far more than £5,000 has been received. 

Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch has one of the highest proportions of rough sleeping outside of London. 

And rough sleeping is on the rise across the country, increasing 27 per cent last year. 

An emergency £216,000 fund for BCP has been announced by the Angela Rayner as part of a £10 million package for rough sleepers across the country this winter. 

Labour MP for Bournemouth East Tom Hayes said: "I want to commend all of Bournemouth's homelessness services for everything that they are doing."