Irwin Mitchell Colleagues Take Part In Alabaré’s The Big Sleep

A team of staff from law firm Irwin Mitchell have braved freezing temperatures to take part in a charity sleep out in aid of homeless forces veterans.

A total of 15 colleagues from the Southampton office of the national law firm unfurled their sleeping bags and huddled together to take part in Alabaré’s The Big Sleep.

The night at Salisbury Cathedral was the flagship fundraising event of the year for Alabaré, a charity that supports more than 3,000 vulnerable, homeless and marginalised people across the south and south-west of England and Wales.

Andrew Buckham, is head of Irwin Mitchell’s military team in Southampton and who spent seven years in The Army, helped organise the night.

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For some adapting to civilian life after leaving the Armed Forces can be difficult, and through no fault of their own, some end up on the streets.

“Nobody should have to find themselves in such a situation regardless of their background. The Southampton office felt passionately about trying to raise awareness of what homeless veterans go through so decided to take part in The Big Sleep.

“While we only slept out for a night, many of us found it a real challenge. Perhaps unsurprisingly the hardest thing to deal with for many of us was the cold. It was absolutely freezing but the spirit and camaraderie kept us all going.

“We were lucky in the respect that we had each other to keep us going through the night. Others are not so fortunate.” Andrew Buckham - Partner

Alabaré helps people transform their lives by providing them with accommodation and helping them gain the skills, confidence and opportunities to live a fulfilled life.

The team from Irwin Mitchell raised £2,225 for the charity at the event which took place on Friday, 2 February. 

For more information about Alabaré visit www.alabare.co.uk