Death of homeless woman in Wolverhampton city centre sparks sleep out

So 80 graduates from the National Citizen Service graduates took to the streets for a night to raise cash and show solidarity for those sleeping rough every night.

The youngsters, all aged 16 or 17, also took part in team building activities at St Michael's Church on Coalway Road, before sleeping outside.

The Good Shepherd were also on hand providing a soup kitchen, to help them keep going through the night.

Ryesha Lee, 17, is part of the Youth Board in the city, and was project manager for the sleep out.

She told of her shock at finding out about 'Hayley', who was found dead in a doorway in Queen Street in January.

The Wolverhampton Girls School student from Tettenhall said: "We had a Youth Board meeting the day we heard about it. We were all so shocked.

"When it's someone from the city, someone with a name and a family, it's just so sad. We felt like we had to do something.

She added: "I think its important to raise money and awareness. The trouble is, a lot of homeless people can't get the healthcare they need because they don't have a home address.

"And they can't get work because they don't have a home either. It's just a circle that's hard for them to get out of."

The youngsters were divided up into teams on the night, all named after people who have been homeless - so there was Team Hayley, Team Chaplin, Team Lopez, Team Rocky and Team Sanders.

Rebecca Martin, NCS relationship manager, said: "A lot of these young people read about Hayley and it really affected them. They wanted to do something and this is a great way for them to show they care.

"This has been organised by the young people and they are glad to give something back to the community.

"They are all really brave, and have all been quite upbeat about it."

Then National Citizen Service scheme aims to encourage youngsters to get out and mix with others their age and get involved with their local community.