YOUNGSTERS with experience of the care system slept rough for a night to highlight the plight of the homeless.

A group of 28 young people braved the autumn chill to sleep in cardboard boxes overnight at the outdoor activity centre Carlton Lodge, near Thirsk.

The event was organised by the Young People’s Council - a group for youngsters who have experienced the care system first hand.

The group plays an important part in the work that North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) is doing in giving children and young people a voice in decision-making.

Before settling down for the night, the group heard stories from young people about their experiences of being homeless.

Members of the Young People’s Council gave a presentation about the work they do and why holding the event was so important to them.

They were joined by representatives from SASH, the charity that supports young people in York and North Yorkshire who do not have a place to live, and a Homelessness Prevention Worker talked to them about the work going on to support young people in the county.

County Councillor Janet Sanderson, NYCC’s executive member for children’s services, said: “The sleep-out followed a great afternoon at the North Yorkshire Youth annual general meeting.

“I was delighted to be invited along with Councillor Carl Les, North Yorkshire’s leader, and we heard first-hand about the work that the council and the young people are doing to make their voice heard and have a say in decision-making.

“They were excited about the sleep-out event and I’m glad it was so successful in raising awareness of the challenges young people can face around homelessness.”

Staff from North Yorkshire Youth at Carlton Lodge supported the event and slept over with the young people.

They were joined by staff from various other agencies and volunteers.

The cardboard boxes that were used for beds for the night were donated by Tesco in Thirsk, which also gave some of the food used at the event.

In a report published last year, Shelter revealed that Richmondshire had 17 recorded homeless people while Hambleton had 14.

Doncaster had the highest number in the county at 477.