BIG Sleep Stonehenge: ALABARÉ supporters raise over £52,000 for homeless veterans

More than £52,000 has been raised for national homelessness charity ALABARÉ thanks to a group of incredible supporters taking part in the BIG Sleep Stonehenge.

120 people signed up to bed down at the world-famous monument’s visitor centre on Friday night (14 November), with each of them supporting the charity’s work to break the cycle of homelessness for veterans.

Participants ranged in age from their teens, right up to an 84-year-old who’s a regular supporter of ALABARÉ BIG Sleeps, and included one of the charity’s ambassadors who single-handedly raised over £18,000.

Despite Storm Claudia threatening to dampen spirits, with a yellow weather warning in place, participants were greeted with pouring rain and windy conditions as they arrived, but the forecast improved as the night went along.

The skies cleared to allow some stargazing during the evening, and a poignant sunrise visit to the stone circle itself, which included a Remembrance service for fallen heroes.

The BIG Sleep Stonehenge has been the first time a charity has had permission from English Heritage to hold a public sleepout at the site, and ALABARÉ is grateful for their support.

All of the money raised will go directly into the charity’s services, providing homes, restoring hearts, and empowering minds for former military personnel who find themselves homeless or at risk of reaching a crisis point.

ALABARÉ has around 30 Homes for Veterans across the South West and Wales, each offering safe and stable supported living accommodation.

The service also operates outdoor physical activities to help them build teamwork and confidence while boosting their mental health, pastoral help with things like financial budgeting and accessing healthcare or benefits, and practical support to improve their employability and gain qualifications.

Participants at the BIG Sleep Stonehenge heard from some of the veterans who’ve benefitted from ALABARÉ’s support, giving emotional accounts of the life-changing help they’ve received.

Over the last financial year (2024-25), the charity has seen a 122% increase in demand for veterans’ services, taking more than 350 referrals for help.

Latest Government figures show one in every 400 veterans is homeless, with around 6,000 former military personnel facing homelessness.

James Tomlinson, ALABARÉ’s Director of Strategic Communications, said, "It wasn’t an easy night, with the changeable weather as well as the lights and sounds resonating from the Stonehenge throughout the night. But that made the experience all the more authentic for those taking part to understand what it’s always like for rough sleepers.

“The idea of having to do that night after night while sleep-deprived is heartbreaking, and we’re pleased to have so many supporters willing to take on the challenge and raise an amazing amount of money that will help us to break the cycle of veterans’ homelessness for more people.”

Supporters on the night included the Mayor of Salisbury, Cllr John Wells; TV archaeologist Phil Harding; multiple world record-holding marathon runner and contestant on TV reality show Destination X, Nick Butter; social media food influencer Hungry Woman Cooks, also known as Sam Balshaw; and Salisbury Radio's Andy Munns.

Phil Harding, best known for his role on the Channel 4 show Time Team, said, “I’ve never done this before and pushed myself in quite this way, and I know it’s only been one night with a level of inconvenience and discomfort, but it is just one night. For so many people, that’s every night - and I want to share that experience and help others.

“There’s a real community bond and strength between everyone that’s here and registered, just as I think there’s a unique bond between those who are homeless. They’re rooting for each other, as we’re all rooting for them.”

ALABARÉ would also thanked Salisbury’s branch of GAIL’s Bakery for providing soup, rolls and pastries for sleepers before and after the event, as well as Andover-based companies Twinings and Rich Products for bringing teams of participants to sleep out, in addition to tea and snacks to keep supporters sustained during the night.