'After we split up I had nowhere to go. I slept in a mate's car for a bit, but he tried to rape me so I ended up sleeping rough. Some nights I get a hostel bed, but when they're full I end up outside, usually in this underpass to get out of the rain,' says Sally. As the nights get colder, things look grim for Sally and about 2,000 other people like her who sleep rough on Britain's streets every night.

The government has just launched its Change A Life scheme and reckons we should give our cash to charities for long-term projects and not to street-beggars like Sally. Louise Casey, head of the government's Rough Sleepers Unit reckons charities dole out 'better sleeping bag on the Strand than you can buy in the camping shop Blacks', and attacked charities for keeping people on the streets by offering soup runs. Strangely, we couldn't find anyone who was in it for the free soup.

So what can you do to help? Here's a few ideas – some require Mother Teresa-like dedication, others don't. If you're lacking in the saintly qualities department, you could always do your bit by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or cycling around giraffes in South Africa.

* Swap your credit card for a Shelter Mastercard/Visa – It's free and the homeless charity Shelter receives an initial £10 donation then 25p for every £100 you spend. Call 0800 959696 to request an application form.
* Buy the Big Issue – Margaret Whitfield of the Big Issue in the North says, 'buying the Big Issue is a great way to help homeless people get some dignity back. They aren't begging, they're earning a living.' You also know the Big Issue vendors are genuine as they're screened before they hit the streets with an official badge. The weekly magazine costs £1 and 60p of that goes to the vendor.
* Become a volunteer – Loads of homeless charities around the country depend on volunteers, especially throughout the winter. Check out these links to find a project near you.
* Do a Shelter Adventure Challenge – if all the other options sound a bit too altruistic, why not go on a 'sponsored holiday' for the homeless. You could climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa or trek through 'The Lost World' to Mount Roraima in Venezuela. All you need to do to take part is raise a minimum amount of sponsorship. Call for a free information pack on: 01394 286032.