PEOPLE are being invited to spend a night sleeping out in the historic cloisters of Salisbury Cathedral to help raise funds for people experiencing homelessness.

ALABARÉ, the city-based charity, is bringing back its iconic BIG Sleep event on Friday, March 13, calling on the community to take part in a night of solidarity with those who have nowhere safe to sleep.

Participants will spend the night outdoors at the cathedral, helping to highlight the reality faced by thousands of people every night.

Around 350,000 people across the UK are estimated to be homeless or at risk of homelessness, with figures showing rough sleeping in Wiltshire has doubled in recent months.

The BIG Sleep has been held at Salisbury Cathedral since 2007 and has become a key fundraising and awareness event for ALABARÉ.

(Photo: Spencer Mulholland)

This year’s event comes as the charity marks its 35th anniversary.

Those taking part can expect more than just a night under the stars.

The evening will include live music from a local band, a calming sound bath, refreshments, a special talk from Salisbury Cathedral and personal stories from people who have been supported by ALABARÉ.

Funds raised will support the charity’s work providing safe accommodation, mental health support and pathways to independence for people in crisis across Salisbury and the south west.

(Photo: Spencer Mulholland)

ALABARÉ supported more than 3,000 vulnerable people in the past year alone, and just £175 can fund a week of supported accommodation and care.

One of those helped is Leah, who is currently staying in ALABARÉ accommodation in Salisbury with her dog, Lola.

“I ended up here because my landlord needed his property back,” she said. “ALABARÉ was the only place I could come, otherwise I’d have been on the streets itself.

“This place is brilliant, especially for dog owners.”

She added that being able to keep her dog with her had been vital for her mental health.

Recent BIG Sleep events have attracted high-profile supporters, including Nick Butter, from the BBC’s Destination X, and Time Team’s Phil Harding.

Nick said: “For many years, people have gone and run marathons to raise money for charity because it’s hard. Sleeping outside in the cold… that’s hard!”

Phil reflected on ALABARÉ’s last BIG Sleep at Stonehenge, saying: “100 plus people come together, and you realise what an amazing family and collective it is.”

Places can be booked at thebigsleep.org.uk.