STROUD charity Marah is offering SNJ readers the opportunity to experience what it feels like to be homeless – for one night.

Marah is hoping its Cardboard City project will raise up to £5,000 from the sponsorship of the individuals sleeping rough and would love to hear from anyone who would like to take part.

Those volunteering will be in good company with Stroud’s MP, mayor and others already signed up to demonstrate their solidarity and raise awareness and funds to enable Marah to continue its work with some of the most marginalised in our community.

"When you don’t have a lot to start with, cuts and economic austerity can take away even the little you have," said organiser James Green, who has been helped by Marah.

"We want people from around Stroud to get a feel for that."

Cardboard City will give those who are willing the choice to spend a night on the street in much warmer weather than the homeless are forced to endure all year round.

MP Neil Carmichael will officially open the event at 10pm on Friday, February 4 in Bank Gardens, Stroud, before getting out his sleeping bag.

Joining him is mayor Andy Read, who said: "I was homeless for a short period while at university and had to spend some nights on a friend’s floor and in the back of a car. But that was in the summer.

"I cannot imagine having to sleep outside during the weather we have had this winter."

Participants will be offered hot soup and a roll before they go to sleep and the event will finish at 7am with bacon butties.

To take part contact James Green on 01453 767655 or email Cardboard.City@marah.org.uk