The Rock Trust is calling for supporters to swap their beds for sleeping bags and take on a challenge faced by thousands of 16-25 year olds every night.

On Friday 4 November, the Rock Trust’s annual End Youth Homelessness (EYH) Sleep Out will see hundreds of people from across central Scotland come together to spend the night outdoors.

In 2015, the sleep out events raised more than £50,000 and this year’s EYH Sleep Out, which will mark the charity’s 25th year supporting young homeless people in Scotland, aims to raise 25 per cent more than last year with a number of special events planned. Participants will sleep outdoors in Edinburgh’s Festival Square to raise awareness of youth homelessness and much-needed funds for the Rock Trust, which provides vital support for homeless young people.

Kate Polson, chief executive of the Rock Trust, said: “The sleep out intends to highlight the struggles young people experience when living on the streets. It does not intend to replicate homelessness; it aims to remind participants that these struggles are real and that everyone can do something to help.

“Since opening in 1991, we have helped over 15,000 young people in Scotland and approximately 400 last yearand earlier this year we helped form the Scottish End Youth Homeless Coalition, which aims to end youth homelessness in Scotland in 10 years.

“We’ve come a long way since 1991 and made a great deal of progress but youth homelessness is still a devastating issue within this country, so we are calling for families, teams, workmates and individuals to sign up and take part to help raise awareness and vital funds for a worthy cause.”

As well as an acoustic performance from Nasher, guitar legend from Frankie goes to Hollywood, participants will take part in a shelter building competition and Forth 1’s Mark Martin will bring the night to a close with a bed time story.

Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith and strong supporter of the Rock Trust, said: “A few years ago I took part in the Rock Trust’s End Youth Homelessness Sleepout - where many people gave up their beds for the night and slept outside, to raise money and awareness of youth homelessness. Since then the Sleepout has grown, raising more money and awareness of this important issue, as well as helping The Rock Trust to do more.

“I am delighted to help celebrate the Rock Trust’s 25th year anniversary and their incredible efforts to tackle youth homelessness over those years. The Rock Trust make a real difference to the lives of young people in the Lothians, and I am looking forward to this year’s Sleepout.

“I hope many others will join me on Friday 4th November 2016 at Festival Square.”

Refreshments will be available throughout the night along with entertainment and prizes for the best fundraisers and fundraising team. Marshalls and security guards will be on watch all night.

For more information on how to take part please contact Katriona Harding at Katriona.harding@rocktrust.org or call 0131 557 4059.

Alternatively visit The Rock Trust website www.rocktrust.org