Leading homelessness charity ALABARÉ is set to pay its own poignant tribute to the military to mark Armed Forces Day 2026, by hosting its latest flagship BIG Sleep event at the iconic St Paul’s Cathedral.
On Friday, 26 June, 200 participants will attend a memorial event under the dome before sleeping out in the cathedral’s courtyard, waking up on the morning of Armed Forces Day.
It’s an important moment to recognise the contribution that military personnel, past and present, have made to British society and in protecting King and country.
The BIG Sleep at St Paul’s will be the first ever public sleep out to take place at the world-famous building and is raising awareness and funds for ALABARÉ’s efforts to break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness.
Homelessness at Record Levels
The number of people at risk of homelessness is ever-growing and has reached a crisis point. Rough sleeping in the UK is at an all-time high, with the latest Government snapshot revealing that nearly 4,800 people are bedding down in unsuitable and inappropriate locations on any given night.
That represents a 3% increase nationally within the last year, and the fourth consecutive year of rising numbers.
But hope remains that with the support of charities like ALABARÉ, both rough sleepers and the hidden homeless are getting the help they need and deserve.
Breaking the Cycle of Veterans’ Homelessness
Since opening its first home for veterans in 2009, ALABARÉ has supported more than 2,000 veterans at risk of homelessness through supported living accommodation, mental health care, employability skills and wellbeing activities.
In the last year, 55% of the people who have been living in ALABARÉ’s temporary supported living accommodation have successfully moved into independent housing, breaking the cycle of homelessness.
More than a third (35%) of veterans within services reported an improvement in their physical health.
Lady Mayor of the City of London Sleeping Out
Among those already signed up to take part in the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s is the Lady Mayor of the City of London, Dame Susan Langley.
She’ll be joined by her Consort, as well as Alderman Sheriff Robert-Hughes Penney, with each of them swapping their beds for a night under the stars.
On her website, the Lady Mayor says her participation ‘highlights the importance the City of London places on supporting those who have served the country but now face the hardship of homelessness’.
Military Matters During Night of Solidarity
ALABARÉ is proud to have close links with the armed forces, not just through the clients being supported, but also through the charity’s colleagues, supporters and funders.
The BIG Sleep at St Paul’s will shine a light on that partnership and collaboration, with current and former military personnel taking part in the event and sharing their stories of resilience and transformation.
There will be music from the prestigious British Military Imperial Band and a Military Wives Choir, providing an incredible ambience underneath the dome of St Paul’s.
Places at the BIG Sleep are limited to 200, with participants asked to raise a minimum of £500 towards the charity’s efforts to support veterans experiencing a housing crisis.
Sign up at https://alabare.co.uk/events/the-big-sleep-st-pauls-cathedral/
ALABARÉ’s Commitment to Provide Homes, Restore Hearts and Empower Minds
ALABARÉ Chair of Trustees, Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, served in the Army for 35 years, within the Royal Artillery and latterly, as Chief of Defence Personnel. He says it’s important that the event coincides with Armed Forces Day:
“At ALABARÉ, we’re committed to providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds and our work with veterans is a key element of that process to ensure no one is left behind and those who have served are supported in their transition to civilian life.
“Hosting the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s Cathedral on the eve of Armed Forces Day will be a special moment for those taking part to show their support for the military past and present – many of whom will be embarking on their own Armed Forces Day activities across the country.
“It’ll be a powerful night and a historic first, and we’d love supporters to join us on this important mission.”
