A group of local veterans and families of veterans will be sleeping out on Morecambe Promenade to highlight the issue of homelessness in the military veteran's community.
On Friday (March 14), the Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) are hosting The Great Tommy Sleep Out, when participants will sleep outdoors for one night or more to raise awareness an issue which isn’t always known about.
According to government figures and data from homeless charity Shelter, there are approximately 6% of those who are homeless, sleeping rough or in temporary accommodation are ex forces. This amounts to around 11,500 people across the country.
Organisers of the event locally are two veterans, Darren Clifford, who is also a trustee of local charitable group The Bay Veterans Association, and Phil Bradley, a local councillor.
Darren said: “According to estimates there are upwards of eleven and a half thousand veterans homeless or in temporary accommodation.
‘’That doesn’t take account of those children that are also affected. This can’t be right in a modern society. It’s taken quite a bit of organising and we’d like to thank the council for their help and support, as well as all those who are participating or sponsoring.”
Phil added: “To have this level of homelessness in the veteran’s community is a national disgrace, and if we can help one veteran then it’s been worth it.
‘’If you see our camp on Friday evening or Saturday morning and want to support us just pop over, we may even have the kettle on.’’
Any individual or business that would like to support the event can contact Phil or Darren direct via social media or drop in to the Bay Veterans Association Community Hub in the Arndale Centre.
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”.
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