Dozens preparing for St. Paul's Cathedral charity sleepout
It's all in aid of veterans at risk of becoming homeless
Almost 200 people will be bedding down at St. Paul's Cathedral tonight in support of veterans across the south west.
They're all taking part in the flagship event of Salisbury-based homelessness charity, Alabaré, which is taking it's BIG Sleep to the iconic London cathedral.
It's the first time that St. Pauls has allowed its space to be used for a sleepout.
"We're so excited," Director of Fundraising, Kirsty Scullion, told Greatest Hits Radio. "We have done fundraising sleep outs before in London and they've been superb and a really excellent way to raise our profile, tell people more about the story of homelessness across veterans and quite frankly raise funds for the organisation."
It's estimated that one in every 400 veterans is at risk of homelessness, which can be for a wide number of reasons. Kirsty said the charity is determined to ensure those who served us are afforded a service from us in their hour of need.
She said: "One of the key things that we do is not just provide accommodation. Absolutely, providing a safe space, a room is really important.
"But what our skilled staff team do is work around that veteran, identifying specific needs that they might have, and working with other organisations that work specifically with the military to make sure that we provide the best opportunities for them to be able to transition from homelessness to stable, long-term accommodation."
An insight into the reality of homelessness
Kirsty added that it will give participants a flavour of what sleeping rough can be like.
"There is that reality of sleeping out. We've all got the opportunity of going in for a cool drink or going in to an air-conditioned property. In the middle of winter, you've got the ability to go into radiators, home fires, etc. If you're on the streets, you just don't have that reality. You're sleeping out in all weathers."
The charity runs a Homes for Veterans scheme, offering bed space, a self-build programme, where veterans can learn new skills as they build a home they will live in, and a Boots on the Ground scheme, which is an outdoor wellbeing programme for veterans who've experienced homelessness, trauma, or mental health challenges.
The BIG Sleep is taking place during Armed Forces week, and ahead of Armed Forces day, with services taking place across the country over the weekend to remember those who've served and support those who still are.
It's being supported by the City of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Gails Bakery, Twinings, BrocStar and Collyer Bristow.
Concert under the dome
Alabaré's events at St. Pauls aren't limited to just the BIG Sleep, with an opportunity for people to experience a concert like no other under the Cathedral's dome.
It will feature the British Imperial Military Band, who play a variety of music, and they'll be joined by the Salisbury Military Wives Choir.
They'll also be giving a combined performance, while veterans will also be speaking, telling their story and emphasising why the charity does what it does.