A SLEEPOUT which raises funds for homelessness charities has been postponed because not enough people signed up.

Charities Homeless Oxfordshire and Aspire Oxford were due to host the event tomorrow to raise funds but it will now be held later in the year.

Oxford Mail:

Each year the charities call on members of the public to give up their bed for the night to help fund homelessness agencies.

Aspire Oxford spokeswoman Helen Mariner said: "Unfortunately we've had to make the difficult decision to postpone our Sleepout event.

"Sign-ups were lower than expected and we've had feedback to suggest that an event held later in the year would have a lot more interest.

"If we had gone ahead with the event it wouldn't have had the level of impact needed and by postponing the event we'll have the best possible chance to raise the funds needed to change people's lives.

"The event will be at the same venue with the same line-up of entertainment and we'll be able to confirm the new date shortly."

READ AGAIN: Sleepout volunteers needed to raise funds for rough sleepers

The number of rough sleepers in the city has gone up - the estimate was 94 in November, compared to 89 the previous year.

Oxford Mail:

The Sleep Out! 2019 event was due to be held at Oxford University’s Linacre College, with an evening of outdoor cinema, live performances from Jericho Comedy, food from Disco Soup and the chance to hear the stories of people who have been homeless themselves.

Oxford Mail:

READ AGAIN: Rough sleeper estimate in Oxford increases

In previous years organisers have aimed to raise about £30,000.