IN THE gym hall at a Glasgow secondary school, a bunch of third-year girls are finding it hilarious they have to climb into sleeping bags to have their photographs taken.

“Is it okay if we fall asleep and miss maths?” hoots one, while another laments the fact her hair is getting messed up in the process.

The carry-on is only temporary, however. Ten minutes later and this articulate, compassionate group of young Glaswegians is explaining exactly why city schoolchildren – and their families and friends – should support Social Bite’s Wee Sleep Out, which launches today.

“Homelessness is terrible, it affects people of all ages, and we all need to do something about it,” says Kiara Odriozola, 13, who was one of around 60 Notre Dame High pupils who took part in a sponsored sleep-out for the charity last year.

Around 5000 young people raised more than £100,000 by taking part in the 2018 event, pioneered by Social Bite co-founder Alice Thompson.

It followed the success of the charity’s Sleep in the Park events across Scotland.

“Sleep in the Park generated huge funds and awareness but it did leave a considerable young-person-shaped-hole in this picture of a nation coming together to end homelessness,” explains Alice, who was an Evening Times Scotswoman of the Year finalist last year.

“There was an overwhelming response from those too young to get involved in the event and it became increasingly apparent to us how important it is to educate Scotland’s young people on the issue of homelessness, and how intrinsic they are in affecting both cultural and political change.”

With the support of Scottish Government’s Year of Young People, Wee Sleep Out encouraged young people to host their own sleep outs – in their homes, gardens, schools, church halls and outdoors.

This year’s follow-up event will take place over the weekend of December 6 and 7, the same weekend as The World’s Big Sleep Out, which is run by Social Bite’s sister charity, World’s Big Sleep Out Trust.

The Notre Dame girls held a sleep-out in the school building and it was a huge success.

Read more: Tackling homelessness priority for Merchants House

Principal teacher Claire McGroarty explained: “We have included Wee Sleep Out on our S2 business studies curriculum, and around 60 pupils took part last year – we are hoping even more will join in for 2019.

“It’s important for our young people to understand the issues that affect their community, and to have the chance to give back to that community too.

“Social justice is at the heart of everything we do – we have around 750 pupils at Notre Dame and they come from a diverse range of backgrounds.”

She added: “Alice has been fantastic, a huge support in helping the school understand why Wee Sleep Out is important and helping us host the event.

" I’m really proud of our pupils, because the efforts they have gone to could help end homelessness.”

Kesiana Bajrami, 13, and Maddison Ford, 14, said the event was great fun – but that the group never lost sight of why they were doing it.

“We had dance workshops, dodgeball and music,” says Kesiana. “But it wasn’t just a sleepover party. The point was to make a lot of money to end homelessness.”

Read more: Hundreds of Glasgow kids sign up for Wee Sleep Out

Maddison adds: “It doesn’t matter if you can’t give a lot, even if you can give something then you are helping to fight the problem. At least you are doing something about it.”

Sienna McHugh said she struggled, at first, with the idea that she and her friends could have fun ‘sleeping out’ while others had to do it out of necessity.

“I wasn’t sure we should be having a party when people are stuck on the streets and desperate and freezing cold,” she admits. “But Alice spoke to us about the impact the money we raise can have. If we have fun doing it, then that’s okay, because the money will make a difference to people who need it.”

She adds: “Being part of the Wee Sleep Out made me realise how lucky I am. I’ve got a home to go to, and a bed to sleep in.

"I feel heartbroken to think of other people who don’t have that.”

To get involved in Wee Sleep Out 2019, visit www.weesleepout.co.uk