Andy Munns
The annual Alabaré BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral is back on Friday, 8th March.
This year, the charity hopes that more people than ever will come and join their flagship sleep out in the cloisters of the iconic Cathedral.
Every year, Alabaré ask members of the local community to come together to raise sponsorship by sleeping on the cold, hard floor of the Cathedral cloisters to raise vital funds and awareness of homelessness.
All the funds raised from the event will help Alabaré support homeless people in Salisbury.
The charity provides a range of services in the city, including drop-in support and advice to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, giving them access to food, showers, and help to access accommodation or the further support they need.
Those who move into Alabaré’s homes are given specialist help to overcome the problems that have led them to become homeless, as well as training and support so they can successfully rebuild and move on to the life they choose.
The BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral provides the opportunity to learn more about Alabaré’s work and hear from some of the people who have benefited from the charity’s support through more than 70 homes and services across the south west.
Rebecca Mullen, Alabaré Events Manager, says: “Our BIG Sleep at Salisbury Cathedral again promises to be a powerful, reflective, and yet humbling experience as you bed down for the night, as others who are homeless do every night. For you, it will be just one night; in the morning, you can return to your warm home and comfortable bed.
“We are acutely aware of the mental and physical health pressures on those who are homeless or on the cusp of homelessness right now, and it is imperative that we can continue to provide this vital support. We rely on the generosity of our fantastic supporters to help us raise the funds we need.
“We are joined by people from all walks of life – from groups of young secondary pupils from local schools, corporates that join us annually, through to individuals who come year after year, some of whom are over eighty, who can take real pride in the difference they are making.”
One of those more senior participants is Ted, who has undertaken the sleep-out many times: “For those of us privileged to enjoy secure comfort in a settled home, the BIG Sleep event provides just a taste of the demands of the rough sleeping environment.
“It also offers an opportunity to raise vital funding for Alabaré, an effective and efficient charity devoted to tackling the root causes of homelessness – this within the beautiful cloisters of our wonderful Salisbury Cathedral, and in fellowship with others who are determined to give practical effect to:- ‘love your neighbour as yourself”’.
Alabaré is thankful for the support it has received by local companies in the past; this year is no exception. A hot breakfast will be given to all participants with thanks to McDonalds.
Another much-valued corporate supporter is Sodexo, who has previously brought large teams. One of their team members is Colin, who has gone on to undertake nine sleepouts (this will be his tenth) and recently completed a sponsored firewalk for the charity.
“The reason I have taken part in the BIG Sleep is because I have been very fortunate in my life and have a very stable home life, so many people are not so lucky, with so many ex-services in hard times due to disabilities be it physical or due to stress and so many young vulnerable adults struggling with life. I though that it is only one night I have to endure the cold where they do every night, it was the least I could do to try and help all the homeless people.
“Every time I have been a part of a BIG Sleep I have met so many new amazing people, I have also been able to do a big sleep with my 14 year old son, he also felt good in himself after doing one and was so proud of himself.
“To be honest every time I have been on a BIG Sleep I have an amazing time even though cold, I have also been to place I had bever been before. The Big Sleep is something every should try at least once and know that you can and are making a difference for those less fortunate during that period of their life.”
Alabaré is asking BIG sleepers to pledge to raise at least £100 per person in sponsorship or £50 for young people. If you would like to sign up to the event, please go to www.alabare.co.uk
