THE GREAT TOMMY SLEEP OUT 2026
Challenge: Spend one night, or more, outside to support homeless veterans
Date: Anytime in March 2026
Location: Garden, balcony, field, or anywhere safe and outdoors
Fundraising Target: £100
Get Ready – Registration Opens Soon!
Choose your mission
Individuals
Flying solo? This is for you. You’ll be backed by a nationwide community of solo Sleep Out-ers. Independent, but not alone.
Groups
Taking on the challenge together? Register as a group. Ideal for families, friends, scout groups, youth clubs, cadets, schools, or local communities.
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Corporate Teams
Whether you’re a small business or a national organisation, this option is for companies taking part together. Rally your workplace around a mission that matters.
What is the Great Tommy Sleep Out?
You’ll give up one night, or more, of comfort to raise awareness and vital funds – helping provide safe homes, mental health support, and a pathway back to independence for those who once served our country.
It isn’t intended to replicate homelessness but it’s a powerful act of solidarity. One night in the cold highlights the harsh reality thousands of veterans endure. Your challenge sparks conversations and alongside your fundraising, it drives real change.
Just choose your location, rally your support, and take the mission outside.
Earn Your Stripes
If you sign up as an individual the rules are: every time you reach a fundraising milestone, your patch gets upgraded.
Can you go all the way and earn the gold patch?
Get Ready – Registration Opens Soon!
Why take part?
After everything they’ve given, no veteran should be left behind. By taking on this challenge and raising funds, you’ll help provide:
· Emergency accommodation
· Mental health and trauma support
· Employment and training opportunities
· A sense of dignity, purpose, and belonging
Our Sleep Out Community
Sleep out on your own, or take part with friends, family, colleagues, schools, or community groups. No matter how you do it, you’ll be joining a proud community of people committed to standing with our veterans.
Use the hashtag #TommySleepOut2026 to share your mission, spread awareness, and inspire others to join.
“Taking part in the Sleep Out gave me the chance to show everyone around me how lucky we are to have a home to go to every night. I slept out in rain and winds up to 60mph, but that was a choice for me. It’s not for the veterans. I’m looking forward to taking part again next year and putting my tent back up soon, 80 nights for me was nothing compared to what our homeless veterans have to endure.”
Last year, over 14,500 people took part and raised more than
£2 million. Be part of something even bigger in 2026.
How to Join the Mission
1. Sign up at as an individual, group or corporate team
2. Choose your night(s) in March 2026
3. Pick your location – anywhere you can sleep outside safely
4. Start fundraising – minimum target: £100
Your fundraising pack includes:
The iconic 2026 Great Tommy Sleep Out beanie, expertly embroidered by veterans and people with disabilities working at our social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company (BBMB)
Tips, tools and support to help you succeed
It’s all packed by veterans at BBMC
Get Ready – Registration Opens Soon!
Your Guide to sleeping out safely and more
Wherever you are doing your challenge, your safety is our top priority.
Read our guides and top tips for recommendations on how to make the most of this challenge in a safe and fun way.
In need of help?
RBLI have a proud history of supporting those in need, if you are a veteran facing homelessness or other struggles we can help you. We have a dedicated team providing support and guidance including emergency accommodation and employment support to veterans who need help, no matter their situation.