A CHARITY supporting homeless veterans is set to stage its first public sleep-out at St Paul’s Cathedral next summer.

ALABARÉ will host its annual BIG Sleep in the cathedral’s churchyard on Friday, June 26, with the aim of raising awareness and funds to tackle veterans’ homelessness.

The event will coincide with Armed Forces Day and will see participants sleep outside overnight after attending evensong at St Paul’s.

ALABARÉ said the event comes amid continuing pressures on homelessness services.

In 2023–24, 2,270 veteran households in England were recorded as at risk of or experiencing homelessness, while an estimated 7,500 veterans across the UK are homeless, sleeping rough or living in refuges.

The charity said funds raised would support its work helping veterans move away from homelessness through housing, mental health support, skills training and employment pathways.

One of those helped is Ian, who served in the military from 2009 and was street homeless a year ago.

After accessing ALABARÉ’s emergency bedspaces, he moved into a home he helped build through the charity’s Veteran Self-Build Scheme and has since secured full-time work.

ALABARÉ chief executive Andrew Lord said: “This landmark event will shine a light on the crisis of veterans sleeping rough. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness and help those who served us.”

The BIG Sleep will run from 5pm to 7am, with performances by a Military Wives Choir, veteran testimonies and refreshments provided. Entry costs £20, with participants encouraged to raise at least £500.

Registration details are available on the charity’s website.