Neil Jones was forced to sleep on the streets at one point during his teenage years.
Neil Jones
The 'Strictly Come Dancing' pro has opened up about being homeless "for a short period" during his young years, as he praised the work done by youth homelessness charity Depaul UK.
He said: "As you know during lockdown I've been lucky to be able to move into my very own flat. unfortunately due to COVID-19 many charities have been hit hard and one which was hit hard... @depaul_uk youth homelessness charity who support Vulnerable people who move from place to place, staying on sofas/floors often in unsafe situations facing physical, mental and even sexual abuse and exploitation.
"Not many people know but as a teen I found myself at one point sleeping on the streets for a short period but because of a charity like DePaul I was able to find a place to stay.
DePaul provide emergency and longer-term accommodation and ongoing support with mental and physical health, employment and more. (sic)"
To show his support for the charity, Neil is taking part in their new campaign, in which people have to sleep somewhere other than their bed for a night, and then donate £5 to DePaul UK.
He added: "The pandemic has put many of @depaul_uk _uk service is under strain so to support them I'm taking part in their #sleepbedless campaign
Here is how you can help. 1. Sleep somewhere other than your bed (floor, garden, balcony) for one night. 2. Donate £5 to @depaul_uk. 3. Nominate 3 friends to do the same p.s tag: @mrs_katjones @michael_jowita @otimabuse
"Thank you for your support (sic)"