Peterborough ex-serviceman to sleep rough for homeless veterans
Adam Miller hopes the sleepout can highlight the challenges faced by ex-forces
An ex-serviceman from Peterborough will be sleeping rough to raise money for homeless veterans as part of the national Great Tommy Sleep Out.
Adam Miller, who served for nine years in the Royal Anglian Regiment, will be joined by friends for the event, spending tonight sleeping outside.
All funds raised will go to the Royal British Veterans Association, supporting safe shelter and mental health support for ex-service personnel.
“Civilian employers just aren't calibrated to understand military experience and military skills, but because it doesn't necessarily translate on paper to what an employer is looking for, people really struggle to find employment," Adam said.
Adam said it can be difficult for people to adjust to life away from the forces and hopes the event will raise awareness and much-needed funds for veterans who have fallen on hard times.
"If you've been in the forces for a long time, your brain’s configured a certain way, and sometimes people struggle to come to terms with that," he added.
"When they leave, the forces end, the transition isn't maybe as easy as they think it will be.”