Next week on Thursday, Marianne, Rob, Mark and myself will be braving the cold and sleeping out in the courtyard of the London Road Fire Station in Manchester. This is an event held by Centrepoint – one of the UK’s leading charity organisations that aims to support homeless young people. Research conducted by the charity estimates that in the last year around 1.3 million young people aged 16-24 have slept rough or in an unsafe place, and just under 300,000 are doing so on any one night. The problem is becoming increasingly more visible on our city streets. Through the provision of accommodation, health support and life skills, Centrepoint can get people back into education, training and development, opening up plenty of opportunities for a brighter future.

The experience will only be a very small replica of what a young homeless person has to deal with on a day to day basis, but we are using this as an opportunity to fundraise for the charity. We are selling these illustrations (above) of our most iconic buildings in Manchester, including the London Road Fire Station, as well as collecting donations through this link and would appreciate anything you can give to help get our young people off the streets!