Andy Munns
The annual Alabaré BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral is fast approaching. The local homeless charity reminds people they still have time to sign up and participate in the event on Friday 10th, March.
This year the event marks Alabaré’s 15th BIG Sleep at the Cathedral, and the team hopes that more people than ever will participate and help raise vital funds to support people who are homeless in our city.
Alabaré asks members of the local community to raise sponsorship by spending the night sleeping on the cold, hard floor of the Cathedral cloisters, with all the funds raised going to their Somewhere to Go project in Salisbury which provides drop-in support and advice to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The service is open six days a week, enabling people to receive a hot meal, shower, and help to access accommodation or the further support they need. For many people, it is a lifeline.
Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré Events Manager, says: “We are delighted that so many people have signed up already to take part, but we really want to see this, our anniversary event, fill the magnificent Cloisters with fabulous fundraisers!
“With the cost of living at such a high, it is vital that we have our services open and able to support those in crisis.
“The BIG Sleep is such a powerful event to be part of, and we really encourage everyone, young and more mature, first timers and those who have taken part before, to come along and experience a night sleeping on the cold, hard floor.
“The event in no way simulates the fear and desperation of what it’s actually like to lose your home and be forced to sleep rough, but it will still make you incredibly grateful to be able to go home to your warm, safe home and bed the next day. And during the event you will enjoy and share in the wonderful community spirit and generosity of all those who come along and take part too.
“I appreciate that it isn’t long now and some people might be worried about trying to raise the funds before the event but not only am I sure that the community is a generous one, anyone taking part has a month afterwards during which to collect their sponsorship.”
Alabaré say that the cost of living crisis means they are acutely aware of the mental and physical health pressures on those who are homeless or on the cusp of homelessness right now. It is imperative that their work providing vital support can continue.
As a charity, they rely on fundraisers at events such as the BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral to make this possible.
To sign-up to the event, please go to www.alabare.co.uk
Alabaré would like to thank Wilsons Solicitors and Salisbury Chamber of Commerce for their kind sponsorship of this event.
Daniel Rhind-Tutt of Salisbury Chamber of Commerce says:
“Salisbury Chamber truly recognise the struggles that are being experienced across the country at the moment.
“We believe this to be an incredible cause and one we are exceptionally proud to support.”
