This March, individuals, groups, and communities across the UK will come together for Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) The Great Tommy Sleep Out. Throughout the month they will sleep outdoors for one night or more to raise awareness of the issue of veteran homelessness, drawing attention to the fact that an estimated 6,000 veterans are homeless in the UK right now.
One group, sleeping out in March is a combined effort from the Bishop Auckland Remembrance Garden and Hippodrome Bingo in Bishop Auckland. Andrew Pedelty, General Manager of the Hippodrome explained why they are taking part in RBLI’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out.
“Having recently been involved in the Spitfire Memorial for the remembrance garden we jumped at the chance to raise money for this great cause when Michael asked us, and Bishop Auckland Football Club have kindly offered for us to use their venue. Many will have family that have served in the armed forces at some stage and the more that we can help those that have found themselves in difficult times the better.”
If you would like to sponsor The Great Tommy Sleep Out go to My Great Tommy Sleep Out for RBLI.
RBLI’s The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a fundraising challenge that is designed to support ex-service personnel who find themselves without a roof over their head. People who take part sleep outside for as many nights as they want to, in a tent or directly beneath the stars. As everyone has different abilities it’s up to the person or people taking part to pick their location, plan their night sleeping out and fundraise to help RBLI in its work with the most vulnerable veterans.
Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive said, “The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by servicemen and women who find themselves without a home when they return to civilian life. Part of the support we provide to the country’s most vulnerable veterans is homes for those who were street homeless. The veterans who live in our emergency accommodation have access to welfare and healthcare support, employment training and work experience to help them on the road to independence after leaving the Armed Forces.
“This is an important issue, and we are working with the Office for Veterans’ Affairs to reduce veteran homelessness and end rough sleeping. I’d like to thank everyone participating for helping us in our ambition by taking part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out and sleeping outdoors for one night in March. Not only are they raising vital funds for our work, but also shedding light on veteran homelessness.”
If you would like to take part in The Great Tommy Sleep Out go to https://rbli.co.uk/rbli-events/the-great-tommy-sleepout/ to sign up.
RBLI can move homeless veterans into their emergency accommodation within 24 hours of referral and can offer an established pathway with housing providers nationwide. This includes The Riverside Group, who as part of Op Fortitude, an initiative from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, are working together to speed up access to emergency accommodation for homeless veterans in every corner of the UK.
Bishop Auckland's local community newspaper.
