BAE Systems has announced its sponsorship of £30,000 to the Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) annual flagship fundraising campaign, ‘The Great Tommy Sleep Out’.
The Great Tommy Sleep Out takes place in March and challenges individuals, groups and communities across the UK to brave a cold and potentially wet night to sleep out under the stars.
The aim is to raise awareness and funds for the estimated 6,000 homeless veterans in the UK who face nights out exposed to the elements on a daily basis.
As the headline sponsor, BAE Systems will help RBLI to get more people involved, increasing the impact of this initiative and enabling additional support for vulnerable veterans in every part of the country.
Gabby Costigan, Group Managing Director Business Development, BAE Systems, said: “We owe so much to our veteran community and it’s deeply saddening to see so many of them without homes of their own.
“We’re proud to support The Great Tommy Sleep Out and the wider work of RBLI to ensure we do all we can for those who served their country. I encourage everyone to sign up and get out there in March to raise as much funding as possible for this important charity.”
The funds raised will support RBLI to move homeless veterans into their emergency accommodation within 24 hours of referral and offer an established pathway with housing providers nationwide.
This includes The Riverside Group, which as part of Op Fortitude, an initiative from the Office for Veterans’ Affairs, is working with RBLI to speed up access to emergency accommodation for homeless veterans across the UK.
Lisa Farmer, RBLI’s Chief Executive, said: “On behalf of the veterans we support across the UK, I want to thank BAE Systems for sponsoring The Great Tommy Sleep Out.
“Their unwavering support demonstrates incredible commitment to making a meaningful impact on the lives of the men and women who have served our country, only to find themselves without a home when they leave the Armed Forces. This sponsorship will help us in our work to enable homeless veterans to build a brighter future for themselves.”
Veterans under RBLI’s care are provided with employment coaching, vocational assessment and paid work placements through the charity’s STEP-IN programme. The programme also improves a range of independent living skills ranging including managing finances, computer literacy, CV and interview abilities, and cooking. RBLI also offers access to enhanced mental health support, action on alcohol and substance abuse, addiction, bereavement and relationship breakdown. This includes a 12-week counselling and detox service provided by specialists.
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