A RYEDALE entertainer is raising awareness of homelessness by camping on the streets of Malton for 24 hours.

Ryan Swain, who is from Malton, wants to raise more than £500 for the York charity SASH and Simon On The Streets when he takes place in the sleep-out on December 20.

Alongside selling personal artwork, Ryan will spend 24 hours without life’s luxuries and authentically portraying what sleeping rough is like.

Ryan said: “While many people will be gearing up for Christmas with their families, I want to support thousands of people who face sleeping rough as a reality.

“Heading to a show last year in Leeds, I was shocked by how many vulnerable people were living on the streets in freezing, wet and damp conditions.

“Society has a stereotypical image of what a homeless person looks like, yet most homeless people are aged between 16 and 25 with nothing but a backpack and guitar.”

Ryan, who is a live events presenter, radio DJ and comedian, will be busking during the day and understanding how homeless people earn money for necessities such as food, shelter and a sleeping bag.

Ryan added: “Homelessness is an epidemic in Britain; people presume that if you give someone a house, then everything is fixed.

“When you have nowhere to live, no money, friends, food or everyday items; the thought of that is extremely daunting.

“Governments cuts of vital services, the escalation of the population and lack of volunteers have potentially impacted the amount of homelessness we see in major UK cities - I hope my contribution can help save a life.”

Donating £10 can help someone take the first steps out of homelessness, £25 can provide healthcare or counselling and £100 can help someone find their way back into employment.

To donate, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Ryan-Swain