Staff at a Midlands-based engineering solutions business have helped to raise awareness of youth homelessness in the city after swapping a cosy Friday night in, for cold cardboard shelters as part of an annual sleep out event in Birmingham.

adi Group, which is headquartered in the Kings Norton area of the city, raised over £1,800 in the annual St Basil’s BIG SleepOut – nearly double its target of £1,000.

Group Chief executive Alan Lusty, Company Secretary Tina Lusty, Group HR Manager Lorna Quigley, Group Sales and Marketing Director James Sopwith and Title Karl Healy of adi Healy Compressors all donned onesies to take part in the charity fundraiser, which this year celebrated its 25th anniversary.

After building its shelter in the style of a house, adi Group came highly commended in the Jaffabox Creative Cardboard Competition for best shelter.

St Basil’s works with young people aged 16-25 who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. It runs prevention, accommodation and support services in Birmingham, Sandwell, Solihull, Worcestershire, the Wyre Forest and Coventry.

In total 440 people took part in the event – just over the 414 young people housed by St Basil’s every night. More than £17,000 has been raised so far.

Alan Lusty, chief executive at adi Group, said: “As a Birmingham company born and bred, we feel we have a responsibility to put something back into the community, particularly for the next generation. The St Basil’s BIG SleepOut is an important part of that commitment, given that it aims to provide young people with the most fundamental support possible.

“This is the second time that we’ve taken part in the event, the longevity of which is testament to the team at St Basil’s. They work incredibly hard to raise awareness of the issues around homelessness, and as a result make a real impact on the city’s youth.”