A NORTH Wales housing association organised a sponsored “sleepout” to raise funds and awareness of the causes and effects of homelessness.

ClwydAlyn, based in Denbighshire, held the event in partnership with Wales Air Ambulance, DHL and friends and family at Mold Rugby Club on Saturday, March 4.

The annual "Big Sleepout", now in its 10th year, has so far raised more than £2,000 this year.

That will be matched by DHL to help those facing homelessness as well as support two charities, The Osborne Trust and Welsh Air Ambulance.

Lynda Williams, supported living manager, said that staff from ClwydAlyn, Wales Air Ambulance and DHL along with friends and family took part in the sleepout.

The sleepout started on Saturday evening, with those taking part sleeping outside at the rugby club until the event ended at 7am on Sunday.

Lynda said the aim of the night was to raise awareness of homelessness and those who had found themselves in situations such as domestic violence, addiction, poverty or isolation.

She said that ClwydAlyn, for the last 10 years, have been raising "vital" donations for services that help vulnerable adults to move on from their circumstances.

Lynda said: "The sad thing is people don’t really hear about those who are homeless and their stories.

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“The big sleepout gives us the opportunity to shine a light on these issues and raise funds that will help us with our mission to tackle homelessness here in North Wales.

“On the night, fundraisers brought their sleeping bags, quilt and warm and waterproof clothing, in addition to mats and cardboard boxes to sleep on as temperatures went down to a chilly 3°˚C.

“However, whilst it might have been a cold night, it was certainly a heart-warming event."