More than 200 volunteers will sleep on the streets in a bid to understand what it means to be homeless.

The Imagine Property Group and New Hope’s Big Sleepout event will take place at Fullerians Rugby Club, in Coningesby Drive, Watford, on Friday November 17.

The event will aim to raise awareness as well as raise vital funds to help those currently facing homelessness in Watford and the surrounding districts.

So far, more that £31,000 has been raised to provide people in need with support. 

Melanie Pratt will be taking part in the event and has so far raised £515 to “give someone a second chance in life”.

She wrote on her Justgiving page: “We know this is going to be tough and cannot predict what weather we will be presented with.

“If we can survive one night 'on the streets' and raise money to help people less fortunate than ourselves by ensuring New Hope can provide someone a bed for a night then we know it’s been worth it.”

Mike Cole, the managing director at Imagine, said: “I must say a massive thank you to the people at New Hope who have put their heart and soul into making a success of this event, as well as the volunteers who are helping on the night and the sponsors who have helped underpin the finances. This would not have worked without all of your support.

“Almost as valuable will be the experience that 200 people get of the horrors of sleeping rough – even more so in winter. It’s easy to bemoan those in that situation for not getting their act together or doing more but when you’re faced with the prospect of just one night in the cold, you become acutely aware that anyone who ends up in this position every night, must have reached a truly desperate situation.”

A team of Watford Observer employees will be taking part in the Big Sleepout in a bid to understand what it means to be homeless.

Reporter Rachel Russell, who is taking part, said: “The night is set to be entertaining, but there is no getting away from the fact that it will also be challenging.

“Reality will most likely sink in during the bitterly cold night when we realise that right now, there is an unprecedented number of people facing the same situation every night.”

Also taking part are deputy Rob Collins, head of news Anna Slater, digital sales manager Natasha Isabelle, as well as MGMT accountants Tania Knight, Dan McGroarty and Anna Bareva.

You can still sign up or sponsor the event here: www.imaginesleepout.com

To donate to Ms Pratt, visit: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MelandLee