A TEENAGE girl is going to spend 24 hours on the streets of Weymouth to raise awareness of homelessness in the area.

Phulmaya Bhusal, 15, will be sleeping rough on April 11 to raise £1,000 for the Bus Shelter Dorset, a homelessness charity based in Weymouth.

Natasha Hope, Phulmaya's mother, has been a regular volunteer at the Bus Shelter since it opened in 2018.

Phulmaya said: "I was inspired to get involved as part of my silver Duke of Edinburgh after seeing and hearing about the huge impact The Bus was having on people's lives.

"Homelessness is a huge issue throughout the world, but we're seeing more and more of it on our doorsteps.

"Since 2010, the number of rough sleepers has almost tripled. People, just the same as us, spending their lives out on the streets, with nowhere else to go.

"Although there are temporary places for the homeless to rest and get food, there aren't many places that offer long term solutions.

"Even though it's only 24 hours, this is a chance for me to get a glimpse of what life is like on the streets and raise awareness and vital funds for this lifechanging charity.

Phulmaya is welcoming people to sponsor her or raise money and join her if they wish.

The Nook Cocktail Bar will be rewarding any participants with breakfast after the 24 hours is completed.

All proceeds from anyone else who wishes to go for breakfast on April 12 will all be given to the bus

Phulmaya is also volunteering at the Bus Shelter on Saturday, February 9 with her mother so she can chat to the guests and see how it works.

She is hoping to go busking in Weymouth in the afternoon to spread the word about the bus and any donations she receives will also be given to support the Bus.

So far, Phulmaya has raised more than half of her £1,000 target. To donate to her cause visit the Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/phulmaya

If you'd like to take part in the sleep out, you can contact Natasha Hope on thebus24hots@hotmail.com or call 07984 663 526.