Alabaré is delighted to bring its hugely popular BIG Sleep event to a new and iconic building this October – St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
The veteran community is being called upon to give up their comfy beds for one night on Friday, 10 October, and join us for a sleepout in the churchyard gardens, to break the cycle of homelessness amongst fellow former service personnel.
Every night, nearly 354,000 people are sleeping rough on the UK’s streets according to a report from Shelter (Dec 2024), with nearly 1,500 deaths of people experiencing homelessness recorded during 2024.
This World Homeless Day, your support of the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s will mean Alabaré can continue providing vital accommodation and pastoral support to veterans in the South West of England and across Wales, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Our homes are more than shelter. They are places where hearts are restored and minds are empowered, where residents build their confidence, boost their skills and employability, and ultimately move on to independent living.
But with their accommodation running at full capacity, your support will help them address this and enable them to reach more veterans in need.
The BIG Sleep at St Paul’s is also the first event of this kind to be hosted at the world-famous cathedral, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a real difference to veterans’ lives.
St Paul’s is also spending this year highlighting its links with the military and veterans, with its outdoor exhibition Saving St Paul’s marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War and honouring the heroic efforts of the St Paul’s Watch, which sought to protect the Cathedral during the Blitz.
Join Alabaré at the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s Cathedral
Now is your chance to give up one night at home and brave the elements for a vital cause. A historic night in an exceptional setting.
Spark lasting change for many vulnerable people with an evening of connection and inspiration. Join the military choir with an evensong dedicated to homelessness and hear powerful testimonies from those whose lives have been transformed by Alabaré.
Anyone aged 18 or over can take part, with each participant asked to raise at least £1,000 for Alabaré.
With places limited to only 200 participants, don’t miss your chance to break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness by registering for the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s at thebigsleep.org.uk
Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré’s Principal Lead for Events, says:
“We’re delighted to be able to expand our BIG Sleep events to one of the country’s most recognisable buildings. Homelessness can impact anyone, from any walk of life, and it only takes a few factors to push someone onto the streets and into needing support.
“Last year alone, we housed more than 150 veterans with supported accommodation, and 84 of those have since moved on to independent living. Your support of the BIG Sleep at St Paul’s will mean we can provide homes, restore hearts, and empower minds for more people in the veteran community.”
The Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, the Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, says:
“This year we have been marking the 80th anniversary of the Second World War, and the sacrifices made by those who fought. We also remember the veterans from every conflict since that time, many of whom are in dire need right now and are significantly more likely to be homeless.
“In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells us to love your neighbour as ourselves – to help those in distress, as we would hope to be helped. So we must do all we can to support the homeless with the compassion they deserve.
“It is a great privilege to be able to support Alabaré in its mission to break the cycle of homelessness, and I hope it brings awareness to such an important cause.”
For those unable to join the event, Alabaré is also encouraging supporters to take part in a BIG Sleep at Home to mark World Homeless Day on Friday, 10 October.
Community groups, veteran associations, church communities, schools, and friendship circles can host their own event, also raising money for Alabaré’s homes and services.
Register now for the BIG Sleep at Home at thebigsleep.org.uk
