Homelessness is pervasive in Manchester, and students often don't know what to do or are unaware of how they can contribute. Manchester's Raise And Give (RAG) has organised Sleepout 2018 in aid of 3 local charities who provide long-term solutions for those without roofs over their heads and have to worry about their next meal.

I'm choosing to participate in Sleepout, in order to experience what it is like to brave the cold overnight in Manchester's erratic winter. It may only be a tiny step towards empathising with vulnerable groups and learning more about our community and its needs. But through educational talks and activities during the evening and fundraising, I, and other fellow Sleepout participants, hope to raise awareness about the severity of our social issue and the avenues through which one can contribute.

MASH (Manchester Action on Street Health) offers advice & support to women in sex work--http://www.mash.org.uk/

Barnabus runs many local projects to support homeless and vulnerable people each week, many of whom have severe addictions or mental health issues--http://www.barnabus-manchester.org.uk/

The Big Change Fund supports individuals who are homeless by paying for items they need - a deposit for a home, a training course, clothes for a job interview, furnishing for a new flat, or travel costs--https://streetsupport.net/manchester/bigchangemcr/