A local councillor is doing a sponsored sleep out to raise money for charity.

Hannah Stanislaus, an independent councillor in the Bedford ward, is no stranger to not having a secure home. In 2017 they walked into Wandsworth Council homeless and with a young child, asking for housing after being a victim of domestic abuse.

Stanislaus wasn't housed initially but was able to find women's refuge to keep a roof over their heads before being offered temporary housing. Despite knowing what it's like to not have secure housing, they say that this event humbles them and gives them humility, and would encourage anyone to try it themselves.

On October 1, Stanislaus will be a part of Glass Door's annual sleep out, where they will sleep outside of All Saints Church on Franciscan Road to try and raise as much money for the homeless charity as possible.

Last year the councillor did the same event, and just to their luck, it was one of the worst nights of the year in terms of rainfall and they woke up at 2am with their head in a puddle.

Even though they hope that the weather is a bit nicer this time around, they reiterate how this is not about them, but rather raising money for a fantastic charity.

We spoke to Hannah about the event.

They said: "I have been homeless with a child and know what it's like to not have secure housing. It can affect any of us. No one is special and different and the worst can happen.

"Having slept out in one of the most torrential nights of rain, it humbled me and I could go home and have a deeper appreciation for what I have. It's something that everybody should at least give a go. It was not nice.

"My target is to raise £500 and it's all about raising money for Glass Door. It's not about me - it's about making sure they have the funds. Last year we raised over £750.

"Hopefully it won't rain. But to spend a night in another person's shoes - it gives me humility."

You can donate to Hannah's cause on the fundraising section of the Glass Door website.

What is Glass Door

Glass Door is a homeless charity based in London. It coordinates the UK's largest network of open-access services for those affected by homelessness.

The organisation has run emergency winter shelters in partnership with churches across south west London, as well as many other schemes.

Between 2020-2021, 1,645 individuals received support from its services and 317 of its guests moved into housing.

You can find out more about the charity by visiting the Glass Door website.

Additionally, you can also register your interest in being part of the sleep out and also find out more info via the following link.

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