EMPLOYEES used to working on houses in Times Territory will be met with quite a contrast later this month – after they pledged to sleep rough for a WGC-based charity.

Seven workers from the Welwyn Hatfield Housing Maintenance Team, a branch of Mears Group, which repairs and maintains social housing, are the latest to sign up for YMCA Central Hertfordshire’s Sleep Easy event.

The sleep out is just one of several events across the country being held by the YMCA on Saturday, January 30, which aims to raise money to provide accommodation and support for homeless people.

The Welwyn Hatfield event will take place outside the Galleria in Comet Way, Hatfield.

Mears employee Dean Sitton is one of those who will be sleeping under the stars. He said: “We wanted to get involved with Sleep Easy to do our bit to help the homeless and raise money for much-needed local services.”

Welwyn Hatfield is currently one of the top 10 local authorities in England for families recently classified as homeless, with a big demand for sheltered housing in the area.

So far more than 50 people, including Welwyn Hatfield Times reporter Ross Logan and Welwyn Hatfield mayor Kim Langley, are taking part in the campaign.

But YMCA Central Herts, based in Peartree Lane, WGC, is still looking for more volunteers to take on the challenge.

Anyone interested in getting involved, either individually or as part of a team, should contact Sally Mayor on 01707 290717 or email sally.mayor@centralherts ymca.org.uk.