Care Home Team Endures Chilly Night to Champion Homeless Veterans
In a powerful display of solidarity, dedicated staff from a Saltburn-by-the-Sea care home recently spent an entire night sleeping outdoors. This courageous effort aimed to raise both funds and awareness for homeless armed forces veterans across the United Kingdom.
Joining a National Movement for a Vital Cause
The team from Hazelgrove Court Care Home, located on Randolph Street, actively participated in The Great Tommy Sleep Out 2026. This national challenge encourages individuals to sleep outside during March to support former service personnel who are facing homelessness.
Five committed staff members were joined by Pearl Cawley, a veteran champion who volunteers at the home, and Dave Walker, the brother of one of the team members. The participating staff included Sharon Lewis, the activities coordinator, carers Denise Keeler and Shannon Simpson, domestic worker Debbie Weldon, and cook Donna Buck.
Braving the Elements to Highlight Harsh Realities
The group set up makeshift beds using cardboard and sleeping bags in the garden at Hazelgrove Court. They braved the cold throughout the night to highlight the difficult and often dangerous conditions that many veterans experience daily.
Sharon Lewis explained the profound motivation behind their actions: “It wasn’t just about giving up a bed for the night, but standing up for the men and women who've served our country and now find themselves without a safe place to call home.”
Significant Funds Raised for Essential Support Services
Through their dedicated efforts, the team successfully raised £600 for the Royal British Veterans Enterprise, the organisers of The Great Tommy Sleep Out. These funds will be instrumental in providing:
- Safe accommodation for veterans in need
- Critical mental health support services
- A clear pathway back to independence for veterans across the UK
Each participant received a commemorative beanie hat embroidered with “The Great Tommy Sleep Out 2026”, which they wore proudly throughout the event.
Personal Reflections on the Experience
Sharon added further insight into the emotional impact of the sleep out: “Everyone who did the sleep out agreed on how awful it must be to be homeless. At the end of our sleep out we were able to come inside and get warm and have a bacon bun. If you are homeless you don’t have this opportunity and just have to endure the weather day after day. We were also able to do the sleep out in a safe place and as a group, whereas the homeless are often completely alone and on the streets.”
She concluded with heartfelt appreciation: “Our staff were all honoured to take part and thankful to all those who donated.”
This inspiring initiative from Hazelgrove Court Care Home demonstrates how community-driven actions can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served their country.
