Last Friday, a team of ten Reliance Precision Limited (‘Reliance’) employees took part in the Royal British Veterans Enterprise’s (RBVE) Great Tommy Sleep Out. The annual event, sponsored by BAE Systems and Barratt Redrow, encourages individuals and groups across the UK to sleep outdoors for one night or more, during the month of March, to raise awareness of the issue of veteran homelessness.
Reliance’s Great Tommy Sleep Out team was made up of volunteers from different departments across the business. It was organised by the company’s Environment, Health and Safety Manager, Bryan Carter, who served in the British Army for over 24 years and ended his military career as a Warrant Officer Class 1 of the Royal Engineers in 2022. Bry was keen to ensure the evening provided an accurate representation of what homeless veterans may experience. The team completed a 5-kilometre walk, with their camping gear in tow, to a local shop where they were only permitted to spend £5 on their food for the evening. Perhaps most notably, they slept with just sleeping bags and cardboard for shelter on what was an exceptionally cold, but dry, night.
First-year apprentice, Connor, said:
“Participating in the Great Tommy Sleep Out was an eye-opening experience. Seeing how brutal the conditions can be on a night in March for someone without a home or shelter, and knowing that it is happening every day, really made me think. It’s great that taking part in the sleep out has helped to raise funds for such a good cause, which will positively impact the lives of homeless veterans. The night itself is something I definitely won’t forget. It has given me an insight into just how hard it is to live on little to no funds, trying to find somewhere safe enough to spend the night.”
Bry comments:
“For me, organising The Great Tommy Sleep Out was far more than putting together a fundraising event — it was something that struck at the core of who I am and where I’ve come from. After spending over 24 years in the British Army, I’ve known men and women who gave everything in service, only to face real hardship when the uniform came off. The thought of any veteran ending up without a place to call home is something that genuinely weighs on me. I wanted our team to experience even a fraction of that vulnerability, not for sympathy, but for understanding. Sleeping out in the cold and rain wasn’t comfortable, but that discomfort is exactly the point. It’s a reminder that behind every statistic is a person who once stood shoulder to shoulder with us. Taking part in this event allowed me to honour those individuals, raise awareness for a cause I truly believe in, and hopefully contribute to making sure no veteran is ever forgotten or left behind.”
Any fundraising efforts help to fuel the RBVE’s frontline support, delivering emergency accommodation, mental health support as well as providing employment, homes and training.
Lisa Farmer OBE, RBVE Chief Executive, said:
“The Great Tommy Sleep Out is a powerful act of solidarity. One night outside cannot mirror the trauma of life on the streets, but it shows veterans that the public refuses to ignore their struggle. I want to thank everyone taking part this March. By braving the cold, you are not only raising vital funds but also shining a light on veteran homelessness and helping us ensure that no veteran is left behind.”
Despite freezing temperatures and minimal comforts, the team embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. With support from colleagues, friends, and family, they have already raised £2,540. If you would like to sponsor the team, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/team/tommyreliance
