Highlighting homelessness by sleeping out in Athlone

Sixteen people are planning to sleep out in Athlone tonight in aid of a homelessness charity.

The event, which is being organised by the Midlands Simon Community, is designed to raise funds for the charity and to create awareness of issues surrounding homelessness.

From 9pm tonight until 9am tomorrow (Saturday) morning, the volunteers, who come from all walks of life, will take to the outdoors in the 'Sleep out for Simon' at Kilmartin's N6 Athlone.

Speaking on Midlands 103 earlier this week, Declan O'Connor of Midlands Simon said addiction, domestic abuse and mental health issues were among the causes which often contribute to people becoming homeless.

'Nobody chooses to be homeless. We all have issues that we have to deal with in everyday life and if someone was in a situation where they might be at risk of being homeless it's important to know that there are organisations, like Midlands Simon, that are there to help for as long as they need,' he said.

To contribute to this cause, see: http://www.mycharity.ie/event/sleepoutforsimon/