For many veterans, life after military service can be far more challenging than people realise. The structure, purpose, and camaraderie that come with service can suddenly disappear, and for some, the transition to civilian life is anything but easy. Veteran charities provide vital support, helping former service personnel with housing, mental health, and practical advice, while also offering something equally important: the reassurance that they are not alone. As the saying goes, "Once a soldier, always a soldier."

That is why the staff and students of Brockenhurst College are once again taking part in The Great Tommy Sleepout.

This will be our second year supporting this incredible cause, and after raising an amazing £980 last year, we are hoping to go one step further and surpass that total. We were overwhelmed by the generosity and support we received from our friends, families, colleagues, and wider community, and we would love to build on that success this year.

On the night of the sleepout, staff and students will swap the comfort of their beds for sleeping bags and tents on the Brockenhurst College sports field. We know it will be cold and uncomfortable, but that discomfort is what makes the experience so important. While we can never truly understand the challenges faced by veterans who experience homelessness, spending a night outdoors gives us a moment to reflect on the realities that some former service personnel face and why support services are so vital.

This event means a great deal to us as a college community. Some of our staff are veterans themselves, and many of our students are working towards careers in the uniformed services and public sector. Taking part in The Great Tommy Sleepout gives us the opportunity to turn our values into action, showing respect, compassion, and gratitude to those who have dedicated so much of their lives to serving others.

More than anything, the sleepout is a chance to come together, raise awareness, and give back to those who have sacrificed so much for our country. Every donation, no matter how small, helps charities continue their invaluable work supporting veterans when they need it most.

If you are able to, please consider donating and sharing our page. Your support will help us make a real difference, and hopefully help us beat last year's fantastic fundraising total of £980.

Together, let's stand up for those who stood up for us.