Liberal Democrat councillors were among 20 people who slept rough to try and help local vulnerable people.
The YMCA charity’s national Sleep Easy night took place last Friday (March 20) in the grounds of Christ the Saviour Church, Ealing Broadway, and Mayor of Ealing Councillor Tej Ram Bagha opened the event.
Sleep Easy raises funds for and awareness of youth homelessness, and Councillors Gary Malcolm and Jon Ball were among those who had only cardboard boxes for shelter during the event.
Emily Hardy, YMCA volunteer youth worker, said: “Sleeping out was an eye-opening experience, really making me think about the hardship people must face.
"We slept in a secure, safe area and our main concern was the cold.
“Being homeless and alone you must have so much more to worry about – your belongings, your safety, where to go to the toilet, will it rain, where is my next meal coming from. The list goes on.
“Homelessness should not be an issue in our society today.“
Mr Malcolm said: “The YMCA is an amazing organisation. It helps so many young people get jobs through supporting them whilst having family problems.
"It also finds accommodation for many people who are homeless and gives them a new start.
"It was a pleasure to help them out and just a night sleeping in a cardboard box shows how noisy and cold it is. You feel quite vulnerable as anyone could attack you.
“I think we all should try to help those who could become or are homeless.”
YMCA believes every young person should have a safe place to stay. YMCA West London house and support over 600 young people and give them the chance to break this cycle.
