COLCHESTER’S mayor has lent her support to an overnight sleepover in Castle Park to raise money for and awareness about homeless people.

Helen Chuah is backing Colchester Housing Forum’s Sleep Out on Friday at 8pm.

Residents have been invited to camp out in the park until 7am and collect sponsorship for a scheme which helps homeless people get a roof over their heads.

The rent and deposit guarantee fund helps homeless people who cannot pay a landlord one month’s rent and a deposit in advance before moving into a flat.

Since the fund was established, it has helped more than 500 people find homes in Colchester.

Organisers, including Colchester Night Shelter and the April Centre, which administers the scheme, hope the Sleep Out will raise about £7,000.

Information packs are available at Angel Court, in Colchester’s High Street, or by calling 01206 549885 and 01206 500509.